India’s shuttlers, as expected, made a good start at the Commonwealth Games.
They proved a class above Sri Lanka in a preliminary round mixed team event match, in Gold Coast, on Thursday.
Spearheaded by Saina Nehwal and Kidambi Srikanth in singles, India won 5-0.
It was only in the mixed doubles that they were pushed a bit.
Starting the proceedings, Pranaav Chopra and Ruthvika Gadde were given a mild scare by Sachin Dias and Thilini Pramodika before prevailing 21-15, 19-21, 22-20.
However, Srikanth, top seeded in the men’s singles, easily beat Niluka Karunaratane 21-16, 21-10.
The men's doubles pair of Satwik Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty made a successful Commonwealth Games debut, beating Dinuka Karunaratna and Buwaneka Goonethillkea 21-17, 21-14.
Next, Saina whipped Madushika Beruelage 21-8, 21-4 in 22 minutes.
In the tie’s last match, Ashwini Ponnappa and N Sikki Reddy defeated Thilini Pramodika and Kavidi Siriannage 21-12, 21-14.
Saina, who was embroiled in controversy after threatening to pull out of the Games if her father Harvir Singh wasn't accommodated at the Games athletes’ village, said, "It is nice to get used to the court conditions. The Commonwealth Games is very prestigious for all countries, and for India; we are trying our level best and I just want to be focused and concentrate on all of my matches."
Singh was there in the stands watching the match although he wasn't seated with the Indian team due to his status of being an extra official.
"I expected that she would give me a tough fight. When you play someone who is lower-ranked, it is tough, because there is great expectation from you," Saina added.
Asked about India's prospects in the event, she replied: "I hope that the whole team can play well. We are not thinking too much about the semis and finals."