Saina Nehwal Pulls Out of Syed Modi Grand Prix Gold Badminton Event

Saina Nehwal will skip the USD 120,000 Syed Modi Grand Prix Gold tournament starting in Lucknow on Tuesday after failing to recover from an Achilles injury. She played her last international tournament at Dubai Masters in December last year.

The world No. 2 and defending champion had earlier confirmed her participation for the championship organised by Uttar Pradesh Badminton Association under the auspices of Badminton Association of India.

Saina had a great 2015 season and also achieved the world No.1 ranking. She was conferred with Padma Bhushan award for her achievements in the sport last year. She would be hoping to better her London Olympics performance this time when she takes the field in Rio Games later in 2016. She is likely to pick and choose tournaments to stay fit and healthy for the mega event.

"I am improving, I am doing pretty well. Hopefully, I will get back into the shape soon," she told NDTV. "I will not hurry up and play tournaments. I want to make sure that wherever I play, I give my best."

Saina is aware that the expectations will be high during the Rio Olympics.

"I worked really hard and was on top of my game in 2012. Olympics is always a big tournament to perform in. It adds up pressure and expectations are high. Hope I stay in shape and I am sure I will come out with good results," she said.