Injured Kashyap forced to play in SAG by Government months ahead of Rio
Parupalli Kashyap, who has suffered his fair share of injuries, must have been surprised when the Badminton Association of India (BAI) replied to his request for rehabilitation with air-tickets for the upcoming South Asian Games. And it seems, he is not the only Indian shuttler who is unhappy at being risked at this event.
Kashyap is currently struggling with an abdominal strain, and yet he cannot afford to rest. The 29-year-old was included in the squad for the South Asian Games, which will be held between February 6 and 8, at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong.
Kashyap is in a race against time to qualify for the Olympics, having lost a lot of time on the sidelines due to his fitness concerns. But it seems like the BAI are not too keen to allow him to recuperate and return to his best shape.
“I lost out a lot of time because of the injury. I missed out on as many as seven tournaments. I managed to play at PBL and Syed Modi Grand Prix Gold but again I had an abdominal strain in Lucknow and I had to withdraw from Thailand Masters as well.
“But now BAI and the Government want me to play at the South Asian Games. I am in no position to play. I can’t play. I have sent letters to BAI, and the ministry explaining my situation. I also spoke to DG, SAI Injeti Srinivas but still I haven’t got any positive response. On the contrary, I got the tickets for Guwahati today. I am feeling very frustrated.
“I understand India is hosting this event and Government wants to showcase the best team. But mine is a special case, I am injured now. I have just 12 weeks to qualify for the Olympics. Out of which I can also play for seven weeks and train for 5 weeks.
“This in itself is a huge task. On top of it, to expect me to play at SA Games is too much. I don’t know what to do. If I play, I might again aggravate my injury.
“Everybody else have atleast played all through the year. I missed out because of injury and now I need atleast four weeks to be fit for the European circuit - German, All-England and Swiss Open. Even then I wouldn’t have any time, it will be India, Malaysia and Singapore Open, six weeks straight. It would be crazy but I have to do it if I have to qualify,” a frustrated Kashyap told the PTI.
BAI surprised a lot of people when they announced a full-strength squad for the upcoming South Asian Games, considering the minimal rest most of these players have received over the past six months, and with the Rio Olympics looming large on the horizon. It seems like this 'brave' decision might not obtain a very happy ending.
Earlier, a report from PTI suggested that top stars like Saina Nehwal, who recently withdrew from the Syed Modi International tournament due to an injury, and PV Sindhu have sent a letter to the BAI to skip the tournament, citing fitness issues.
"Some of the top players such as Saina and Sindhu have sent letters to the BAI citing fitness and health issues to skip the SAG. We will try to convince them or leave it to the government to take a call," an unnamed BAI source was quoted as saying by PTI.