Saina Nehwal
Saina Nehwal
Saina Nehwal; born 17 March 1990) is an Indian badminton player, former world no.1 in Women's Singles . She is the first Indian to win a medal in Badminton at the Olympics. She achieved this feat by winning the Bronze medal at the 2012 London Olympics on 4 August 2012. She is also the first Indian after Prakash Padukone and the first Indian woman to become world number 1 badminton player. Besides these, she is the first Indian to win...
NationalityIndian
ProfessionBadminton Player
Date of Birth17 March 1990
CityHisar District, India
CountryIndia
Badminton is not a popular sport in India.
Any girl who likes watching movies would like to work in them and would want to do all of that. I'm also one of them. But people know me for badminton and love me for it. So I'd stick to it right now. But maybe after badminton, I'll think about it.
I never believed that India could win a medal in badminton because the competition is so tough.
Unlike most youngsters who have school as their 'second home' where they meet and make friends, for me playtime has been at the Gopichand Badminton Academy in Hyderabad. When I am not playing a tournament, my days are spent at the Academy with my coaches, physiotherapists and colleagues, who are like family. We laugh and have so much fun.
Both my parents were amateur badminton players. My father is a scientist and wanted me to be a doctor. But my mom was very aggressive and loved badminton. She pushed me right from the age of nine to take up the sport.
Badminton will gain momentum in a big manner after my win in Olympics. More players will participate in the game now.
I don't think I have the ability or patience to teach badminton to others.
Badminton is not as glamorous as cricket.
I love winning more than I love playing badminton. Winning is everything.
At nine, my mom used to tell me she saw an Olympic medalist in me. I used to take it as a joke, but she was very serious.
I really thank my parents for giving me the good sense to not get into anything wrong. There are many people around who like controversies, and I actually wonder how do they do it. I don't have the courage to get into controversies. There are people who love it; I find it silly.
I do not fear anybody on the field or in society, but I fear at night when I am away from my parents. I am scared of the unknown described in horror movies.
I am a human being. When you are frustrated, you do cry. It's more than once that I cried.
How well you eat and rest helps you analyse your energy reserves.