Friday, Apr 19, 2024 | Last Update : 08:31 AM IST
Will promote holistic development of athletes: Saina Nehwal
Saina said that she would use her good offices to put forth the grievances faced by the Indian athletes.
Saina said that she would use her good offices to put forth the grievances faced by the Indian athletes.
Bengaluru: Ace shuttler Saina Nehwal, who has resumed training following her knee surgery after the Rio Olympics, is all set to embrace her new role as member of the International Olympic Committee’s Athletes Commission.
Saina, who trains with coach U. Vimal Kumar in the city, spoke of the few factors she would put up in front of the commission and her likely participation in the upcoming China Series scheduled for Nov. 15-20.
The 26-year old, however, will not attend first IOC meeting at Lausanne scheduled between Nov. 6-11, and explained the reasons for her absence to IOA secretary general Rajeev Mehta, citing her need for preparation for the Super Series tournaments in China and Hong Kong.
Saina said that she would use her good offices to put forth the grievances faced by the Indian athletes. “The minute the news of my membership came up, I received a number of emails from various associations talking about the challenges they face.” Saina said at the sidelines of a promotional event.
“I will also be looking at promoting the holistic development of the athletes,” she added. Talking about the need for better infrastructure, Saina was quick to praise Badminton Association of India’s endeavour to ensure better training facilities for the players.
When asked about investing on more coaches, she hoped the federation would take necessary steps to increase the number of coaching staff. “We do not have sufficient number of coaches, I think every city would need a few of them in order to nurture and train young talent.” said Saina, currently ranked No.5 in the world.
On her participation in the China Super Series, “My name is included on the list and my physio feels I can take part given that there are still two-and-a-half weeks to recover, but it all depends on how well my feet move on the court,” Saina said.
(This story first appeared in Deccan Chronicle)
