Happy to see PBL progress, team does not matter, says Saina

SAINA NEHWAL, leading women's shuttler in India is gearing up to play in the Premier Badminton League (PBL) and will represent Lucknow based team Awadhe Warriors.

The world no. 2 helped Hyderabad Hotshots to lift the inaugural season's trophy which was known as Indian Badminton League (IBL). 

When asked whether she had any regrets of shifting to a new team, Saina said,

“I am happy to see PBL in progress no matter which team I play for,” as told to andhrawidesh.com

Talking about the problems that the league had to face she said,

“I don’t know these technical aspects. All I can say is the fact that it is happening is good for the Indian shuttlers. They will reap benefits technically as well as financially. But it should happen every year to promote badminton, the players can also watch the top players from abroad.”

World no. 1 Carolina Marin from Spain, who was part of IBL, but is not available for PBL.

“I think she has other commitments. Since the Rio Olympics is next year, all the top players may not be here. But in future, if PBL does well, all of them will be attracted to play here in India,”

added the 25-year-old, who had a fantastic year clinching three silver medals (World Championships, All England Championships and China Super Series), two gold medals (Syed Modi Grand Prix and India Open Super Series).”

Saina considers her nomination for the world badminton player (women) by Badminton World Federation (BWF) as the best moment of the year.