I hope to get at least one medal for India in Rio : Saina Nehwal

"Last time, I was very fortunate to get bronze medal. So, hopefully, this time, if I play, I hope to get at least one medal for the country. I hope to be injury-free to participate in Rio Olympics," Saina told PTI.

"It will be a proud moment for me to represent India for the third time," the Hyderabad lass added.

Asked if the nation could expect a gold from her at Rio, Saina chose to downplay the expectations saying, “Let us see, I cannot predict. I am not God to predict what I am going to get, but I will work hard, and will do my best.”

The shuttler had suffered a foot injury, which has side-lined her for a major part of the past few months. Despite the injury, Saina took part in the Premier Badminton League (PBL) where she lost to an unheralded opponent in the semi-final after visibly limping from the injury all through.

Amid rumours that she was forced to play the event despite the injury by the powers that be, the talisman's injury in an Olympic year had prompted widespread apprehension and outcry. Thankfully, after the extravaganza she appears to have managed adequate rest as she pulled out of the Badminton Asia Team Championships, Lucknow Open and the South Asian Championships.

(Do give this open letter by a Saina and Indian badminton fan a read.)

"I opted out from PBL and South Asian Championship, and also other tournaments, because I wanted to be fully fit by February. I knew I will not have time to recover post-June. I was completely out of shape ... I am now playing better. Lets see how it goes about," she said.

On a lighter note, when asked about her marriage, "For many, including our own Saina Mirza and Kim Clijsters, marriage could have been an inspiration to scale new heights in sports, but as of now, I have not given a thought to get married.

“Marriage will happen - it has to happen. There is a particular time for it," she remarked, reported PTI.