New Delhi:
Ace Indian shuttler and brand ambassador for the Commonwealth Games Saina Nehwal found herself on a sticky wicket after commenting on India's preparedness for the Games and then backtracking on the remarks and apologising for it.
Speaking to the media in Hyderabad, Saina had said that compared to the Melbourne Games in 2006 and the Beijing Olympics in 2008, Indian stadiums were 'not up to the mark' and the country is not capable of hosting such big tournaments.
"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 that its not upto the mark," Saina told reporters on the sidelines of a function at Pullela Gopichand Badminton Academy here.
But later speaking exclusively to NDTV, the World No. 3 shuttler said that she was sorry for her remarks and apologised to the country for it.
"I am one of the good sports persons of the country and I want to do well in front of my home crowd and I am very proud that the Commonwealth Games are being held in India," she said.
The shuttler added that she had participated in the stadiums in Delhi during the Asian badminton Championship and had a good time playing there.
"I denied the reports because I was a little disappointed after making the comments. It is not good on my part to say it as lots of people follow me," she said.
She further expressed hope that everything will be ready in time before the start of the Commonwealth Games in October and that she and other players are training hard to do the country proud by winning lots of medals.