Saina Nehwal’s focus firmly placed on All England Badminton Championship

The 26-year-old returned to winning ways at the Malaysia Masters, but she feels that she is still on recovery mode.

"Victory was hard fought in Malaysia. I defeated everybody in two games till the final. In the final, the score was 22-20, 22-20, which indicates that how much that teenager was willing to win. I am on recovery mode and in safe hands of physio Arvind Nigam and trainer. I am doing training with Vimal sir to best of my abilities," Saina Nehwal told News18 Sports in an interview.

The Malaysia Masters was her first trophy since she had won the Australian Open last year. After her exit at the Rio Olympics, Saina had undergone a knee surgery, and she has thanked her coach and trainers for her swift recovery.

“After a major surgery the comeback is very hard. With the grace of almighty and doctors, I prevailed over that. I am thankful to my coach, physio and trainer for the same. People have started to believe in me.

It looks that I am not fully cured and something I am suffering, but we have to forget the past and believe in present to come well. It is very hard to forget the ordeal.

Saina Nehwal

“It looks that I am not fully cured and something I am suffering, but we have to forget the past and believe in present to come well. It is very hard to forget the ordeal," the former world number one said.

Saina Nehwal had reached the quarterfinals at Macau Open and Hong Kong Open as well recently, and her PBL franchise Awadhe Warriors had also reached the semi-finals.

"My coaches did wonderful work to me. They (Vimal sir and Umendra sir) encouraged me and motivated at the same time. They told me not to be worried. The support staff was of immense help to me. They were monitoring me almost every minute of day. They used to watch my progress during rehab," a fit-again Saina said.

Having skipped the Syed Modi International tournament, Saina will be now gunning for upcoming All England Championship. She said, "I will try to be focused and injury free.

"I have just come out of injury and still 2 months are remaining, my hard work will tell me my progress.”

Saina has also praised her compatriot PV Sindhi for her recent rise. "Players do it for the country and Sindhu did the same when she had the chance. It feels good, I am happy for her silver medal for the country," Saina added.