The Hindu : Sport / Badminton : Aparna Popat pulls out

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Sunday, Jan 21, 2007
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Sport - Badminton

Aparna Popat pulls out

K. Keerthivasan

PATNA: Saina Nehwal can afford to breathe a trifle easy. Aparna Popat, the reigning and nine-time National women's singles champion, has pulled out of the inter-State/inter-zonal and senior National badminton championships scheduled to begin at the Secretariat Sports Club here on January 22.

Speaking to newspersons, the Chief Referee, C.H. Punnaiah Choudary said, "Aparna will not play due to a hand injury."

Later, speaking to The Hindu from Mumbai, Aparna said, "I am recovering from the wrist injury (right hand) that has been troubling me for a year." Aparna, who last played the all-India ranking tournament in Jamshedpur in December last year, said that she had not made up her mind as to when she would be ready. "I just want it (the injury) to rest," she said.

Last year's men's finalist Arvind Bhat has also opted out citing an ankle injury. Thomas Kurian, ranked No.8 in the men's category, will not play, as he is reportedly not well.

Detailing the fixtures to the media, Choudary said the team events would be held on January 22 and 23 and the individual events from January 24 to 28. Qualifying rounds at the Secretariat SC are expected to conclude on Sunday.

The organisers have planned to conduct some matches at the Physical College, Rajendra Nagar. "The women's singles and doubles will be held at Physical College from January 24 to 26 till the quarterfinal stage while the rest of the matches will be at Secretariate Sports Club," said Choudary.

Saina, Chetan Anand, Jwala Gutta and Shruti Kurien among others are expected to reach Patna on Sunday.

In the inter-state/inter-zonal events, Petroleum Sports Promotion Board, Assam, Maharashtra, U.P., Delhi, Air India, BSNL and Karnataka will compete for the Rahimtoola Cup for men while Petroleum Sports Promotion Board, Delhi, West Bengal, Maharashtra, Kerala, Assam, BSNL and Air India will compete for the Chadha Cup for women.

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