Optimistic Saina gears up for China and Hong Kong Open post injury

Indian ace shuttler Saina Nehwal, who has recently been appointed as a member of the International Olympic Committee's (IOC) Athletes' Commission, has said she is ready for the China Open Super Series to be held from November 15-20 and the Hong Kong Open Super Series from November 22-27.

"I'm really happy that I am coming back to the court after two-and-a-half months. I have given my entry for the China Open and the Hong Kong Open. Let us see with the kind of improvement over the next three weeks how my results are - if I can play in China and Honk Kong," said Saina.

Saina, who sustained an intra-articular injury (inside the joint) to her right knee which affected her progress in the badminton event at the Rio Olympic 2016, was undergoing treatment at a Hyderabad hospital.

The World No 5 lost her second group league to World No 61 Ulitina, 18-21, 19-21.

Saina had said the injury happened during training before the Olympics and it got worse during the match.

Talking to the media after being appointed as the member of International Olympics Committee's Athletes Commission, Saina said, "It was totally unexpected, getting selected in the International Olympic Committee (IOC) as a member of the Athletics Commission. And being the first such female from India, it is an achievement for me. It is a big thing. It would be a big responsibility to highlight the problems faced by athletes in front of the IOC. I hope I'm able to do something good for my sport as well as other sports."

The 26-year-old was appointed as a member of the IOC Athletes Commission last week.

The Commission is chaired by American ice hockey Olympian Angela Ruggiero and comprises nine vice presidents and 10 other members.