Guwahati, Dec 23: Awadhe Warriors star attraction Sania Nehwal was ruled out of the Premier Badminton League - 3 (PBL) opener against Cheni Smashers on Saturday here as she had not fully recovered from an ankle niggle on the right leg.
Awadhe coach Anup Sridhar, however, was hopeful Sai will turn out at the Siri Fort Sports Complex in New Delhi for their second match against North East Warriors on December 30.
Sridhar, who alongwith Siyadath Ullah are part of the Awadhe coaching setup, said in a statement on Saturday: "Sai is recovering from a small ankle issue which she had developed few weeks back. She is recovering well and we are expecting her to be fully fit for the next match."
Earlier Assam Chief Minister Sarbanda Sonowal unveiled the PBL trophy in a glittering opening function which was also attended by his cabinet colleague and the president of BAI Himanta Biswa Sarma, Sports Minister ba Kumar Doley and many other dignitaries. All the captains of participating teams were also present at the function. Popular singer Zubeen Garg and Shillong Chamber of Choir enthralled the crowed with their mesmerizing performance.