Nine-time national women's badminton champion Aparna Popat is visibly upset with the Badminton Association of India (BAI).The BAI, she claims, has treated her badly ever since she started medical treatment for her wrist injury.The player ranked 36 in the world has now voluntarily withdrawn from the Uber Cup Qualifiers in Jaipur next week. "Last two months I have been nursing this injury in my right wrist and it has just been getting progressively worse. "So I think it required immediate attention. I had gone to Mumbai to consult a doctor and had informed the BAI," said Aparna. "I sent them a fax on January 19, saying I am going to Mumbai and after that there have been statements in the papers, saying they don't know my whereabouts and that they are looking for a replacement. "They did not even have the courtesy to reply to a single fax of mine. This got me a little upset," she added. Missing practiseAll Aparna wanted was ten days to get her wrist examined and rest following the doctor's advice.But the BAI made a big fuss about her not attending the training camp in Jalandhar that started from January 20.They even threatened to disqualify her from participating in the Cup. "You try and think for yourself. How can a player who has not practised for the last 20-25 days expect to get a direct entry and play a tournament," said LC Gupta, Secretary, Badminton Association of India.It is not the first time that an Indian player has complained of lack of backing from sporting authorities in times of injury. But the question that remains is whether anyone will be held responsible for Aparna withdrawing from the Uber Cup.
Popat withdraws from Uber Cup
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