Ace shuttler Saina Nehwal embarrasses CWG organisers; apologises after caustic remarks
Ace shuttler Saina Nehwal embarrasses CWG organisers; apologises after caustic remarksIt was a major embarrassment for the Commonwealth Games organisers when star shuttler Saina Nehwal on Saturday questioned India's capability of holding such a mega-event. She said the preparations were "not up to the mark".
Saina said that she really doubts whether Delhi was capable of holding the mega-event and she was sure it would not match the Melbourne Commonwealth Games and Olympic Games in Beijing.
"Looking at the stadiums and looking at the progress, I don't really think we are capable of holding such big tournaments because you know, I have seen many Games like the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne (in 2006) and Olympic Games in Beijing (in 2008). Compared to those it's not upto the mark," Saina told reporters on the sidelines of a function at Pullela Gopichand Badminton Academy.
Ready on timeThe Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna awardee however, hoped that everything would be ready before the Games' opening ceremony on October 3.
"But I am sure that before 3rd or 2nd of October it will be ready and people will like it. But with the comparison of these Games seems not upto the mark," said Saina.
Saina's comments came as a surprise as she is one of the six sportspersons who have been chosen as the Games' brand ambassadors.
The CWG Organising Committee Secretary General Lalit Bhanot refused to comment on Saina's remarks saying, "I have no comments to make."
Later speaking to a news channel, the World No 3 apologised to the country for her stunning remarks. "I am sorry for whatever I said. I did not mean it. The Commonwealth Games will be a huge success.
"I want to do well in front of my home crowd. I am very proud that the Commonwealth Games are being held in India. I am a little disappointed after making these comments. It is not right on my part to say it as lots of people follow me," she said.
Saina also said that she is leaving no stone unturned to clinch medals in the Delhi Games.
"I am focusing on my game, lets see what happens finally. We still have four weeks before the Games," Saina said," she added.
