Star shuttler Saina Nehwal has pulled out of the ATS 78th Senior National badminton championship due to illness.
Saina had entered the Nationals fray after a gap of five years and was expected to be the top draw of the competition to be played at the Siri Fort Sports Complex from Dec 20-23.
Confirming this, Badminton Association of India Vice President (administration) TPS Puri said, "I had a talk with Saina this morning. She is down with fever and chest congestion. She has been advised rest by doctors hence she is not going to play in the nationals."
Saina last played in the 2007 National championships in Patna.
The world number 6 has also decided to pull out of next month's Korea Super Series.
"She will also not be taking part in the Korean Open as her fitness is to be accessed," Puri added.
