'Saina needs to add variety'

Sidek tips Indian to top rankings

Former World No 1 Rashid Sidek is no novice to the demands of the international badminton. He has also worked closely with the current No 1 in men’s singles — Lee Chong Wei — helping him keep abreast with the pulse of the sport. But whatever the period, Sidek asserts that to be a champion one needs to be a complete package. In Saina Nehwal, he finds one.

The Malaysian feels that Saina’s mental and physical strength gives her an edge over her opponents and she has in her to reach the top of the rankings.

“You have to do that extra bit to become a champion. They are different. It is a complete package. Saina has the qualities of a champion. She is very strong mentally and physically. She has the fighting spirit, she gets pumped up by the prospect of playing a Chinese player, and has been winning the Super Series titles. That is what you need to be there,” Sidek, who would be coaching Delhi Smashers in the inaugural Indian Badminton League (IBL), told reporters on Friday.

Sidek, a two-time Commonwealth Games gold medallist and national coach of Malaysia since 2003, felt the Indian ace needed to add variety to her game to counter the growing challenge from players of Japan and Thailand.  

“The competition in women’s singles has increased. Japanese and Thailand players are coming up. Saina now needs to develop her quality of skills and bring more variety to her game.”

Sidek felt the badminton in Indian is on the rise with a spurt of good results from the players.

“There are so many Indian players like Kashyap, Gurusaidutt, Srikkanth, Prannoy who are doing well. P V Sindhu, at 18, has shown the talent to be at the top. They all just need to train harder, be more focused and determined (to win Super Series titles).”

A challenge

Sidek admitted it would be challenging to coach an IBL team but was excited at the prospect.

“I was surprised with the offer. There will be very less time to train the players as they would be coming from the World Championships. I will be working with two other Indian coaches (Vikram Bhasin and Tanvir Gill ) and I see this as an opportunity promote badminton in India and also help my club win the title,” said

With the auction just couple of days away, it was no surprise whom the Malaysian would be gunning for. “I would like to have Lee Chong Wei in the side, he is in good form.  If not him, I would like to have Saina Nehwal.”

Sidek tipped Chong Wei to win the forthcoming World Championships. “Lin Dan is not in great form so this is the best chance for Chong Wei to win the title.”