Saina Nehwal’s father Dr Harvir Singh Nehwal, who also attended the function, said the entire family was proud of her achievement but underlined the fact that without her dedication and hard work, all the support he gave would have come to nought.
“Her mother (Usha) instilled self belief in her. She always tells Saina that one day you will become world champion. The whole family is happy now. She had made all of us proud,” Harvir said.
“Now it looks like I have done nothing out of the ordinary. Until a few years ago, I never had even a scooter. Today, we have seven fine vehicles, a good house, good reputation in society and a bronze medal for India. There is a miraculous change in my life and enhancement in my prestige. I was never worried about her. I am 62 years old and I have never been to a doctor, I have no medical bills to worry about. I am happy and that keeps me healthy.”
Harvir recollected the hard days but said nothing could have been achieved without her hard work and dedication. “She tells everyone her father helped her in every step. Her coaches have put in a lot of effort too. She even says that I got recognition because of my father but it’s been her effort. After we moved to Hyderabad, I fought for her throughout her career. I gave her the best facilities money could buy, even if it meant I had to borrow because that is what a father does for his child.”
“Parents usually spend lakhs investing in a child’s education, my investment was on sports. Slowly, sponsors came to help after recognising her talent and my difficulties eased. Today, I have no worries at all and I am so proud that she remembers all our efforts in her time of success. However, it is her hard work that has taken her to these heights. All the money we spent on her would have amounted to nothing had she not been so hard working and full of resolve,” Harvir said.