Olympic badminton champion Carolina Marin to go under the knife
Spanish badminton star Carolina Marin will be out of action for several months after the three-time world champion suffered a broken cruciate ligament in her right knee.
The 25-year-old had won her first Olympic gold medal in the women's singles at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games as well as the world title.
Carolina Marin (C) of Spain reacts to an injury that forced her to retire while playing against Saina Nehwal (not pictured) of India in their women's singles final match at the 2019 Indonesia Masters tournament in Jakarta, January 27, 2019. /VCG Photo
The former world No.1 sustained the injury after landing badly while playing in the final of the Indonesian Masters against India's Saina Nehwal.
The Spaniard eventually had to retire from the match even though she was leading 10-4 in the first game of the match.
In a touching show of solidarity and showcasing sportswomanship Nehwal consoled her Spanish rival at the court after her loss and also paid a visit to the hospital where she was admitted after her loss.
Saina Nehwal (R) of India consoles her opponent Carolina Marin (L) of Spain as she retires due to an injury during their match. /VCG Photo
Tests carried out on Monday confirmed the extent of the injury and the Spanish badminton federation revealed that Marin would have to undergo surgery on Wednesday, which will keep her out of the court for at least three months.
Her comeback chances for the world championship in Basel, Switzerland, between August 19 to 25, seem to be quite bleak and doubtful.
Marin, however, tweeted, "Time to be ready for the hardest battle, but I have no doubts that I'll be back stronger."