It's special feeling and I want a medal: Aditi Mutatkar

New Delhi, Oct 6 (India Report)

Aditi Mutatkar hogged the limelight early in her career before a nagging knee injury led to a long lay-off but having made it to the Commonwealth Games squad at the eleventh hour, she is now desperately seeking a medal here.

Aditi turned 23 today and also made her debut in Commonwealth Games and the diminutive shuttler from Pune says it is a special feeling after spending life at the sidelines for quite a while.

"Two years back I was playing very well and would have easily got into the squad but then the injury phase came and it was very difficult time. But making it to the squad and actually playing the first match of my first Commonwealth Games of course is special. I know I have put a lot of hard work to get this opportunity and I want to win a medal because I don&apost know if I would get another chance,"Aditi told media.

After being out for almost the whole of last year, Mutatkar made a successful return at the Syed Modi memorial tournament in Lucknow in December 2009, reaching the final. She then she made it to the semi-finals of the Senior Nationals in January this year before withdrawing because of the same injury.

Her physiotherapy sessions with Dr Anand Gangwal helped her through the injury. Aditi made it to the quarterfinals of the Asian Badminton Championship in April before replacing Gayatri Vartak in the Indian team for the Uber Cup finals.

"For the last three months, I have a new trainer. His name is Darshan Wagh. I am currently training with him and it has helped a lot. I don&apost have any injury scare. It is no more playing in my mind,"she said.

Asked about her women&aposs singles hopes in the Commonwealth Games, Aditi said she has set a target of quarterfinals at least.

"I have Wong Mew Choo in my half of draw. So I am hoping to reach at least the quarterfinals where I may meet her. It would be great for India if I can play Saina (Nehwal) in the finals. Of course, it is a long way up there and I don&apost want to count my chickens before they hatch,"she says with a smile.

Aditi beat Carissa Turner 21-13 21-8 in the women&aposs singles of the mixed team event against Wales today.

Source :  http://www.indiareport.com/India-usa-uk-news/latest-news/912068/sports/5/92/5/poi