Saina shocked by England's 'immature' pullout decision

Hyderabad, Aug 9 (PTI) Stunned by England's "immature"
decision to pull out of the World Badminton Championship due
to perceived security threat, top Indian shuttler Saina Nehwal
Sunday said it would not take any sheen out of the elite
event.

"It's an immature decision but I don't think it makes
much of a difference to the tournament because there are no
English top players in the singles event," Saina said.

Badminton England Sunday announced its decision to
withdraw the eight-member contingent following a Home Ministry
advisory on threat perception to the event ahead of the
Independence Day celebration.

Saina said the English shuttlers were conspicuous by
absence in practice and her coach Pullela Gopichand himself
tried to convince them about the foolproof security here but
to no avail.

"I think they should have been more patient. Even Gopi
Sir spoke to them yesterday. In India, badminton is not as big
as cricket so I don't think there was any need to be worry,"
said Saina, seeded sixth in the women's singles event.

"The tournament will go on without an issue and I don't
foresee any trouble for anyone. I think they panicked since
Independence Day celebrations are round the corner," she
added. PTI ATK
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