Injury Forces Jwala Gutta out of Asian Games

Indian women's doubles badminton player Jwala Gutta has decided to pull out of the upcoming Asian Games, which is scheduled to take place in Incheon, South Korea later this month, because of an injury.

Gutta has sustained a sprain on her right knee, and believes it is better for her to sit it out, rather than risk aggravating the injury.

Gutta, who often partners up with fellow Indian shuttler Ashwini Ponnappa, consulted a doctor after sustaining this injury. The doctor advised her to be under complete rest for at least two weeks, in order for her right knee to completely heal. This injury layoff will ensure that she misses the multi-sport event in Incheon, later this month.

"I was feeling a little pain after I started training for the Asian Games following the World Championship but it was okay and my coach also told me it is fine as long as it is bearable but then yesterday I sprained my knee," Gutta was quoted saying by PTI.

Gutta had formed a successful partnership with Ashwini, over the past few years. They even went on to win a notable bronze medal, in the women's doubles category, at the Uber Cup, which was held in Delhi earlier this year.

"There was swelling and I consulted two doctors, who advised me to rest for 10-12 days, which means I had no option but to pull out," she said. "It is a weird feeling because I have never withdrawn from a tournament due to injury in my career.

"The swelling has come down now. But I am not able to exert weight on the knee as its hurting. Also age is not on my side, so I have to be careful. Next year is very important for me and I didn't want to aggravate it. Hopefully, I will be back for the European circuit," she further added.

The 31-year-old has been an instrumental figure in the Indian badminton at different tournaments over the past few years. She won gold and silver medals for her country at the 2010 and 2014 Commonwealth Games respectively.