In the wake of Sports Ministry's diktat of not to extend financial help to athletes who prefer professional commitment over representing India, ace shuttler Saina Nehwal on Thursday insisted her first priority would always be to play for the country.
“I don't think anyone would not want play for the country. Everyone would want to play for the country. Sometimes you can't ignore that there is injury or a player goes through some difficult situation. Otherwise, I am sure everyone would want to play for the country and for the pride of the nation," said Saina on the sidelines of an event.
The Ministry's diktat came after top tennis players like Somdev Devvarman, leander Paes and Rohan Bopanna refused to participate in the Incheon Asian Games, citing loss of rankings points.
Asked how difficult it is to balance playing for the country and prize money events, she said, "In the prize money event also you are not going there just as a player. You play at the state level, then national level and finally you reach the international level. So at that level, you only play for the country. It is not about prize money or medal, it is only about your country.”
“I can only talk about myself and for me it is very important to play for the country," she insisted.
My commitment should not be questioned: Paes
A day after sports ministry made it clear that athletes who remain unavailable for national duty would not get financial aid, leander said his commitment should not be questioned since he has given his all in the last 24 years. “I have not heard about it so it's not right for me to comment. But I have played six Olympics and I don't have to say more about my commitment. It's very clear to see, I love playing for the flag and the people. When I play at Grand Slams, I play for India, for flag and for people," Paes told Times Now.