Kashyap's Olympics hopes hit by a series of injuries

INDIAN MEN'S SINGLES SHUTTLER, Parupalli Kashyap's chances of qualifying for the Olympics looks completely shattered after he was forced to withdraw from major tournaments due to injury.

He picked up a knee injury while playing in the German Open and since then he has missed out on major events. He won't been seen at the following two events, Malaysia Super Series Premier and the Singapore Open this month.

The World No. 17 is going through the worst injury phase of his career. Kashyap had hoped to recover in time for the Malaysia SSP but he is still grappling with the injury.

"No tournaments for me the whole month. Actually, the injury was bad. I just feel the first diagnosis was not right. The first guy told me that I was going to be okay in two weeks time which was not the case," Kashyap told PTI.

"I was expecting myself to play in two weeks so there is disappointment and irritation."

Kashyap needs to be in top-16 to make the Olympic draw but the injury lay-off is going to cost him valuable ranking points.

"I wouldn't blame anyone because everyone wants me to play and get back quickly. They want me to stay in shape and mentally be ready," he said.

In 2016, Kashyap had lost in the second round of India Super series and Malaysia Super Series Premier but had reached the semifinals in Singapore.

When asked about future events, the Hyderabadi shuttler said,

"The current status is that I have to wait another 3 weeks and then assess how it is. I might play next in May or June."

He has been marred with injuries which has cost him his ranking. He was No. 8 when he suffered a calf muscle tear in October last year and later sustained an abdominal strain in January.

Kashyap also missed the South Asian Games and BATC.