Former Olympic and World champion Taufik Hidayat feels that the emergence of the phenomenally talented PV Sindhu will not only reduce the burden of expectations on Saina Nehwal but also make India a force to reckon with in women's singles category.
The 18-year-old Sindhu had won the bronze medal at the recently-concluded World Championship and Taufik said she can provide a good support to Saina in women's singles.
"I saw Sindhu quarterfinal match. But could not watch the semi-final match as I didn't have access to live telecast. I think it is good for women's singles now that Sindhu is coming up. India already has Saina and Sindhu will be a good back-up. It is good for Indian badminton," Taufik said.
The 32-year-old Indonesian feels things are changing in world badminton and China are not no longer the force it used to be across all competitions.
"Nowadays there are so many players in women's singles. But in women's doubles, China are still very strong. But I am surprised to find Lin Dan win men's singles because he didn't play for a year. But he still had the firepower be good enough to win the title."
"I think once Lin Dan and Lee Chong Wei retire, the rest of the field is just so so (mediocre). These two are class players," he added.
The three-time Asian Games gold medallist, who retired from the game after the Indonesian Super Series, is back in India to be a part of the IBL.
The six-time Indonesian Open winner, said the IBL is good for Indian badminton and he wants to give something back to the game.
"It is very good for Indian badminton as foreign players are coming for the league and it will give motivation to the young local players. But for me, I have already retired from badminton after the Indonesia Open so don't expect too much from me. But I hope I can motivate the young Indian players," he said.
