India Open to start today; Saina, Sindhu vie for top honours

With India set to host another edition of the Yonex Sunrise India Open here from Tuesday, Akhilesh Das Gupta, President Badminton Association of India (BAI), announced on Monday that India has been awarded the rights of hosting the tournament for the next four years.

"The tournament (India Open) has consistently raised its bar over the years and our efforts have been recognised and appreciated by the Badminton World Federation (BWF) for which they have awarded us the hosting rights of tournament for the next four years," Das Gupta said in the press conference on Monday.

Das Gupta also talked about the growth of Indian badminton and said, "So many players performing well at the highest well is testimony to the growth of the sport in the country."

In order to provide opportunities for Indian players to play more competitive badminton and flourish at the highest level, BAI is planning a domestic league as well.

"After the success of Premier Badminton League (PBL), we are planning to organise a domestic badminton league where only Indian players will participate. Through the domestic league, we are also aiming to increase the reach of the sport and take it to second tier cities like Chandigarh,

Noida and more."After a successful India Open campaign in 2015, Saina Nehwal is aiming for another title and is hoping to perform well in front of the home crowd. "India Open is very special because we play in front of the home crowd and also I reached the World No. 1 ranking after winning the title in 2015. I'm trying to overcome my injuries and although the competition is getting tougher every time, I'll try and give my best."

On being asked how difficult it is to come from the injury, Saina said, "Coming back after a surgery is tougher than I had initially thought. You tend to lose your touch and since I had a knee injury, my movement was affected. Also it takes time to get back competitive mental strength and I'm happy that I'm improving."

While on one hand, Saina Nehwal suffered from the knee injury, PV Sindhu came into limelight courtesy her silver medal performance in the Rio Olympics. Ever since, Sindhu has been the centre of attention and expectations have been less from Saina also due to her injury.

"I'm just remembering the start of my career when there weren't any expectations and there was no limelight. Sometimes it's good to not have everyone's eyes on you and I'm happy this way," Saina said.

On the other hand, both PV Sindhu and Rio Olympic gold medallist Carolina Marin said that they were looking forward to the competition and were looking to give it their best.