Saina Nehwal reckons 2018 was ‘tough’ due to cramped schedule

Ace Indian shuttler Saina Nehwal, on Thursday, said that the year 2018 was a tough one for badminton players of her country as they got very few breaks in between various competitions and tournaments.

“It is definitely a tough year. Throughout there were so many big tournaments and we did not even have time to rest and think about the next event,” she said, as quoted by PTI.

“We had the Commonwealth Games, then in five-ten days, we had Asian Championships, then within one-two months, we had Asian Games and the World Championships and of course our Super Series events.

“That way, sometimes it is not easy. At times, one does not feel like playing,” she added.

The star Indian badminton player was named brand ambassador of ‘Rasna’s’ new products in the form of ‘Rasna Native Haat.’

“But you need to fight it out, wondering what the people and coach will say. The stress is so much that no matter how much a player tries to reach semis or quarters, at times the fatigue level makes you low,” she added.

“I am very proud of the result in the Asian and Commonwealth Games and that I could bring medals in both. As the chance comes once in four years, it is something every player dreams of,” the Asian Games bronze medallist said.

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She also laid emphasis on the need for breaks by players.

“I know what people think and how they write about performances of Indian players. I can understand the situation of (PV) Sindhu, (Kidambi) Srikanth…we all have played so many tournaments, somewhere it gets to the body and mind.

“It’s not easy to perform back to back. We need a break….there were 17-18 tournaments a year and it’s so challenging. Where is the time to even correct yourself?” she highlighted.

The 28-year old also explained the fact that the shuttlers could improve their play by identifying the errors and correcting them, only by having adequate time between the tournaments.

Said Saina, “It gets a little tough for the players but we are trying to adjust to it.

“Next year won’t be as tough because we don’t have Asian Games or CWG. But then it will be the year before the Olympics….I am happy we are getting a break in between, so that we can work on our mistakes and fitness levels.”