iSporter Jigar Mehta interviews India's ace badminton player, Saina Nehwal.
She is the latest buzz in Indian Sport who has taken the Badminton circuit by a storm. She has been the main force behind revolutionizing the popularity of Badminton in India.
Yes, she is the world no. 4, Saina Nehwal, one of the most talented sportspersons India has ever produced.
Self-belief, determination and dedication have been the main force behind her success at such a tender age. The 20 year old, who is the first Indian to win a Super Series tournament, has been in tremendous form this year.
It all started with 2010 All-England Super Series, where she reached the semi finals, becoming the only Indian Woman to reach thus far.
It was just a trailer of what was to come next as she won three titles: Indian Open Grand Prix, Singapore Open Super Series, Indonesian Super Series in three weeks.
She achieved a career high world ranking of No. 2 in July.
She was then conferred the coveted Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award, India's highest sporting honour.
Then came the moment of the year, she won the Gold medal in the Women's Singles badminton event in the Commonwealth Games, a dream come true for any athlete. Her Gold made sure that India finished second in the overall standings ahead of England with 38 Golds.
She finished the year on a high by winning the Hong Kong Super Series title, her fourth Super Series title of the year.
She has achieved a lot at such a tender age and with the qualities that she possesses, the No 1. crown is not too far away.
With her great dedication and determination and all her achievements she has been a great inspiration to a lot of sportsmen around the world, a true champion and patriot making the whole country proud.
I had this wonderful opportunity to interview this champion from Hyderabad.
Here are some excerpts from my talk with none other than the Queen of Badminton, Saina Nehwal;
Jigar@iSport: Congratulations on winning the Hong Kong Super Series title, how does it feel winning the last tournament of the year and that too by beating the third seed and Asian Games gold medallist in the final of the tournament?
Saina: Wonderful, most satisfying result. I am highly delighted to get this win (Hong Kong Super Series 2010)
Jigar@iSport: The final match - you were a set down and Shixian was playing well, what went through your mind to plot your comeback?
Saina: Yes she is super player than me; she defeated me in Paris World Cup 21-8, 21-15. She is a wonderful and dedicated player. I was little worried but not stressed. I was confident when the score was 11-5 and thought that I could beat her.
Jigar@iSport: Considering the disappointment you had faced in the Asian Games how tough was it mentally to hit back and win the tournament?
Saina: I was upset with the loss, there's no doubt in that. But it gave me a lot of encouragement to do better after my defeat to YIP of Hong Kong in the Asiads. I also believe that my losses give me more strength.
Jigar@iSport: You were one of the favourites to claim Gold in the Asian Games after a triumphant performance at the 2010 Commonwealth Games but lost out in the Quarter-final after a close finish, what went wrong?
Saina: Nothing, this is the beauty of sport. You see I would have been World No. 1 the week had I played the Indian Open - held at my home in Hyderabad, but I guess God was not willing. This was my bad luck. I am not as lucky as the people think about me.
Jigar@iSport: How much did the loss hurt you?
Saina: I wouldn't know how to answer this question. My dreams were shattered twice, once in the Asiads and again at the Indian Open, both within the span of a month. Sport is full of ups and downs!
Jigar@iSport: Tell us something about your ongoing chemistry with your current coach Pullela Gopichand and his role in the development of your career?
Saina: Such people are very few; who help their trainees in an unselfish manner only to make them Champions. I am also indebted to the role of Baskar Babu, my physio and well wishers in this regard.
Jigar@iSport: Leaving out the one-off disappointment of the Asian Games, 2010 has indeed been a spectacular year for you as you won: Indian Open Grand Prix, Singapore Open Super Series, Indonesian Super Series, a Gold medal in the Commonwealth Games and now the Hong Kong Super Series, are you satisfied with your performance?
Saina: Not at all, I want to win more laurels for my beloved country. My performances are dedicated to my country. I am proud to be an Indian.
Jigar@iSport: Which was your best moment of your career and why?
Saina: All my victories have been memorable, but I think my best moment is yet to come.
Jigar@iSport: Who has been your main source of inspiration?
Saina: My parents, Coaches, physio and the great people of my country.
Jigar@iSport: Apart from Badminton, which is your favourite sport?
Saina: Only badminton!
Jigar@iSport: Are you satisfied with the current facilities provided for Badminton players in the country? If not what improvements would you like to see?
Saina: I am happy that facilities provided by Gopi Academy at Hyderabad, they are on par with best facilities anywhere in the world.
Jigar@iSport: If given a chance what would be the one thing that you would like to change in Indian Sports?
Saina: Better facilities and motivation to the budding sport persons. We need more people playing sport!
Jigar@iSport: What does Saina Nehwal have in store for all the Badminton fans in the coming year? Any specific targets?
Saina: I would love to better my results and come out on top.
Jigar@iSport: Had Saina Nehwal not been a Badminton player then what she would have been?
Saina: Nothing else suits me as good as badminton!
Jigar@iSport: Your message to budding talents who want to take up Badminton as a professional career.
Saina: Dedication, discipline and honesty with your profession.
Jigar@iSport: New Year message to your fans on iSport!
Saina: Work hard, keep healthy and be happy.
Read more of Saina Nehwal on iSport
Read iSport New Year Special: Interviews with Somdev Devvarman, Pankaj Advani and Aditya Mehta
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... jigar is really amazing guy............. he is good in sports as wall as in studies............. his passion for sports is truly amazing n i know he has a bright future ahead in sports a well as in management.......... |
u hav realy make us fell proud 
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