JOIN USSaina basks in her big moment
Saina Nehwal tried to be calm, even indifferent about her World No 1 status. The stupor, though, quickly went off and joy beamed through her face. She knew it was no ordinary feat. She had lived with this dream for years, coming close to achieving it in 2010. It took her five years to be there, finally.
On Saturday, she heard the news of her sealing the world No 1 spot while she was warming up for her semifinal against Japanese Yui Hashimoto. Bolstered, Saina gave a dominating display to beat Hashimoto 21-15, 21-11 and made it to her maiden India Open final. She will face the skilful Ratchanok Intanon in the title clash. Intanon, the 2013 world champion, outlasted Spain’s Carolina Marin 21-19, 21-23 22-20 in a sensational clash.
“It is the result of hard work over the years. Last time, I became the world No 2 which was five years back. I had a lot of good performances in between, stayed world No 5 for sometimes. I think I can enjoy a bit today of the new status,” Saina said.
“When I joined the sport, I never thought of becoming the world No 1. It was only my mom’s dream that I win an Olympic medal. I feel lucky to become the first Indian shuttler to be No 1 after Prakash sir, who is a legend.”
Not long before, Saina was battling injury and indifferent form. Youngsters, like PV Sindhu, were charting unconquered grounds. Saina, after spending years coaching under Pulella Gopichand, turned to former India shuttler Vimal Kumar in September last year and shifted base to Bengaluru to train at the Prakash Padukone Badminton Academy. Results were quick to show including the final appearance at the All England Badminton Championships last month.
“I would like to thank Vimal sir, he is putting a lot of effort. He has lost a lot of weight also (laughs). He was confident that I would become the World no. 1 by May but I didn’t think it would be that easy. The last seven months have been very good, winning the Syed Modi Grand Prix Gold, China Open, All England and the final here (India Open Super Series). Earlier I was never consistent like this before,” she said. “It is a very big day for me and Indian badminton.”
Saina also thanked Prakash Padukone in helping her turn a new corner. “Both Vimal Sir and Prakash Sir got me out of that stage where I felt I was stuck and not able to beat the top players. Prakash Sir told me many of his moments where he lost his games and how he came back strong,” she said.
“I am much more relaxed. I know how to cope up with the pressure. I am happy not to let them down. We have worked mostly on my movements on the court where I was lacking. When you are confident of picking up shots, confidence level goes up.”
President, PM heap praise
President Pranab Mukherjee and Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Saina for her tremendous achievement.
“The phenomenal accomplishments of @NSaina make us very proud. I congratulate her on being the World No 1,” Modi tweeted.
“Congrats Saina Nehwal on becoming World No 1 in badminton; well deserved honour; best wishes for India Open,” Mukherjee wrote on Twitter.