The world star said in a statement that she is scared to walk alone in Delhi’s streets. The London Olympic bronze medalist is expected to play in the Indian Open later this week.
Delhi’s increasing reputation as an unsafe city is inviting some criticism from the sporting community as well. The spate of rape cases and the inability of the administration to provide safety to women of all ages is now scaring a ‘world’ citizen like Saina Nehwal.
The London Olympics bronze medalist is scheduled to play the Indian Open Grand Prix badminton championship in Delhi later this week and it’s a (unhappy) coincidence that last time she was in the Capital for the same tournament, the city was grappling with a rape case.
In a statement on Monday, Saina said: "Last time, I came to Delhi there was a rape incident and again there is rape. I am very sad and upset with what is happening in Delhi. Something must be done immediately to stop this."
A Haryana girl, Saina lives in Hyderabad with her parents. If she means what she says, it is unlikely that Saina will venture out on the streets once her matches are over at the Siri Fort sports complex.
"After what I am hearing (of the rapes), it is really very scaring. I will think twice (about walking alone in Delhi). This can happen to me as well. It is very unfortunate. Delhi is a beautiful city but such incidents have truly tarnished its image," Saina said.
As many as 220 players from 18 countries will be participating in the Indian Open in Delhi from April 23 to 28. Saina and PV Sindhu will be India’s medal hopes in the women’s singles section.