Ad-wise: Trupti Murgunde (left) feels Saina Nehwal (top) should draw a lot of positives from her CYG experience. Pics/Atul Kamble

Even as many believe that India badminton ace Saina Nehwal is not doing her career any favours by playing against lowly ranked participants in the III Commonwealth Youth Games, one of her senior colleagues, thinks otherwise.
 
"The World Junior Championships are going to be played at this very venue and on these very courts less than a week after the CYG (October 24 to November 2). Saina's experience in the CYG will help her do well then," India No 2 Trupti Murgunde told MiD DAY.

Saina eased into the final of the women's singles event yesterday beating Panuga Riou of England 21-12, 21-10. And the top seed and World No 12 is almost certainly assured of the gold given that she will take on India's 22-ranked Siki Reddy for the gold medal today.

Getting acquainted

"Saina will get used to moving on these courts. Besides she will also learn the drift and other finer nuances of play which should keep her in good stead for the World Junior event," added the 2006 SAF Games gold medallist.

As for Nehwal being the undisputed leading lady of Indian badminton, Trupti was only glad that India had a player of her calibre. "Saina has definitely made Indian badminton more popular. She is a very hardworking and dedicated player. We Indians rarely get a chance to play in front of home crowds. So, Saina will relish the occasion and home support and should excel here," the 25-year-old added.