Winning events more satisfying than regaining World No. 1 spot: Saina Nehwal's reply to Carolina Marin

New Delhi: Rio Olympics gold medalist in women's singles final, Carolina Marin, recently took a jibe at India's struggling shuttler Saina Nehwal, saying that she won't let the Hyderabadi shuttler reclaim the numero uno spot again.

Speaking on the sidelines of an event, the Spaniard spoke to Hindustan Times about Saina's chances at the badminton circuit after undergoing a surgery post early exit from Rio Olympics 2016.

“We will have to wait and see (whether she can challenge for major titles again),” Carolina Marin said on Saina’s comeback chances.

“But of course, I will not allow her to reach the world number one ranking because I will be fighting for the same,” she added with a smile.

Replying to Marin's remark, Saina, who is a former World No. 1, said she is not worried about regaining the numero uno status as winning tournaments is "more satisfying" for her.

"I have already been world number one. It is not what I am thinking about. I only want to win tournaments," Saina told reporters.

"When I was world number 30, I won tournaments. At the moment Tai Tzu is number one. For me, winning tournaments is more satisfying than being world number one," she added.

The London Olympics bronze medallist has set a secret goal for herself and hoped to stay injury-free to realise it.

"I have already come out of big injuries in my career. This is another tough situation. I have set a goal for myself. I am fighting it out to see that I realise that goal," Saina said.

"That goal is secret. (smiling). I just hope that I stay injury-free. That's the only thing I hope for. If the goal I have set, if it's accomplished, I will throw a party."

After beating Chinese Taipei's Chia Hsin Lee 21-10 21-17 to make a positive start in the Indian Open, Saina's campaign came to an end when he was defeated in straight sets in quarter-final by PV Sindhu.