Saina Nehwal - Badminton
captivated the Indian badminton enthusiasts who felt “Saina can do it why can’t we”. This was a big motivation for the younger generation in India. When I won the Super Series in Indonesia in 2009, followed by some other big titles the rest of the world realised that if an Indian can beat the big guns from China and Denmark why can’t we. This resulted in champions coming from other parts of world like Germany, Spain, Thailand etc. As a player I always try my
best, but sometimes I am alone in front of a number of great players. I feel more who are to follow suit in badminton will have to face the same problem to become a champion.
Has your Achievement of winning a medal in the London Olympics helped to give women’s badminton and sport in general in India a boost in popularity? Yes it took off like wild behind me to win a medal in badminton, not only at the Olympics but also the Commonwealth Games and Asian Games it had such a big motivation towards badminton in India.
How would you describe your approach or philosophy towards playing professional badminton? Every badminton player needs good facilities, infrastructure and a coach to succeed as a professional. Not only does the player have to be motivated but also their family and friends have to be there too. Another key element is you have to have backing from the Government and big sponsors like Yonex which give assurance to players that their future will be protected, which in this current In my case everything
favoured me, I was motivated by my parents, I moved thousands of miles away from my house at the age of 8 to the best badminton facilities in India at Hyderabad AP who had the best coaches like Aarif Sir and Gopichand. In addition I was assured a job by a big company and also received all the help I
HEAD TO HEAD
needed from Yonex in terms of the best equipment, travel and money.
What does winning the Padma Shri award mean to you? I didn’t know what PADMA SHREE was when I received it at the age of 19, my father knew that it is one of the 4 highest civil awards in India given for the extraordinary excellence in are 60 strive to get it. Though the award is in my shelf I still don’t feel I appreciate the real importance of it.
What equipment do you use from Yonex and what and what are the characteristics you like most about this equipment? The rackets are always changing due to new technology but currently I’m using the Nanoray 700RP for its faster swing speed and high repulsion, AS50 Shuttles and SHB-01LX. In terms of the kit I use it’s a selection of the top
of the range Yonex shirts and tracksuits which provide me with the chance to perform in comfort.
What do you think you can when you play with him for the Hyderabad Hotshots in the upcoming Indian Badminton League? Do you think he will be willing to share some of his secrets?
He is a legendary badminton player; I can learn a lot from him. His mere presence for 15 days will give me a lot to think about on what I can bring into my game.
What impact do you think the Indian Badminton League will have on the game in India? It will help promote the game of badminton throughout India. Vast amounts of people I hope will see this as an opportunity to play and get healthy. We will see in 5 years if this has been a success and the impact it has had on the Indian public.
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