Hyderabad: Olympic medallist Saina Nehwal on Wednesday stood by her coach Pullela Gopichand, who had been accused of "mental harassment" by doubles specialist Prajakta Sawant, stating that she is totally "unaware" about "how these things are coming out.", says a report in The Indian Express.
"Look at me. I am standing here today as World No 3. I would like to thank Gopi Sir for where I am today. I don't know from where all these things are coming out and I really don't know what it is," Saina, who was initially reluctant to answer the question provided her response on the issue.
Prajakta had moved to Bombay High Court yesterday accusing the chief national coach of "mental harassment" after she was denied entry into the national coaching camp at Gopichand's academy in Hyderabad.
According to a report in Business Standard, shuttler Prajakta Sawant, who had accused national coach Pullela Gopichand of "mental harassment", was allowed by the Bombay High Court to attend the training camp at Gopichand's academy in Hyderabad. 19-year-old Sawant, who has won seven international medals, had approached the High Court after she was refused entry to a national camp being conducted in Gopichand's academy.
Sawant claimed in her petition that she was selected for the training camp which was to be held from October 4 to December 12. However, when she asked to change her doubles and mixed doubles partners, Gopichand refused and allegedly nursed a grudge against her, the petition claims.
"On August 22, Sawant informed through e-mail to Gopichand that she is not comfortable with the partners assigned to her. However, Gopichand made wild allegations against the petitioner that she was not serious about the game and raised doubts over her dedication towards badminton," the petition claims.