Back from injury,Mutatkar makes it to Uber Cup team

This time around,I actually believed that my rehabilitation and the hard work I was putting in on court would be successful. It is this optimism that has been the difference, she said.

Criticised for being a poor finisher,Mutatkar decided to change her tactics and take more risks with her strokes. My first round victory against Fu Ming Tian whom I had lost twice before was a result of my change in tactics. I took more risks in the next game against Hsiao Huan Chen,and won, she said.

After being out for almost the whole of last year,Mutatkar returned to action at the Syed Modi memorial in Lucknow in December 2009,reaching the final. She then made it to the semi-finals of the senior nationals in January 2010 before withdrawing because of the same injury.

Her physiotherapy sessions with Dr Anand Gangwal helped her through the injury. During her rehabilitation,we focused on her core muscles. We did a lot of balance exercises and force stability exercises. She was very regular and consistent with her rehabilitation and this was the key to her recovery,he said.

Aditi practiced for three sessions a day to prepare herself for the Asian Championships. with coach Hemant Hardikar,who she feels has been her pillar of strength during tough times.

Aditi is very strong mentally and one of the most determined players I know. Since her injuries have been frequent she needed a little reassurance now and then,and that is all I did for her,Hardikar said.