The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh / Hyderabad News : ‘Divine power helped Saina’

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Thursday, Jul 02, 2009
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Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh - Hyderabad

‘Divine power helped Saina’

V. V. Subrahmanyam

Photo: Mohd. Yousuf

Crowning glory: Indonesian Open badminton champion Saina Nehwal with MP and president of APOA Lagadapati Rajagopal at a felicitation function on Wednesday. -

HYDERABAD: What was the secret behind Saina Nehwal’s historic success (the only Indian ever to win such a title) in the recent Indonesian Open Super Series championship? Well, certainly not just her classy game or the immense determination but a ‘Super Divine’ force which played a key role. And, this revelation was made by her father Dr. Harvir Singh at the felicitation function put up by AP Olympic Association on Wednesday evening.

“The moment I saw the mobile number of Saina which she took in Indonesia, I told her that she is going to win the event come what may. Definitely, I was so convinced about this because these three last digits – 786 – have such a holy place in Islam,” the proud father explained. “I believe in God and not in any particular religion and when I first noticed these last three digits, I had a gut feeling that this Indonesian Open will be Saina’s”, he says proudly recalling how his prophecy turned true.

And, not to miss the symbolic occasion of honouring arguably the biggest woman shuttler from India, Lagadapati Rajagopal, MP and president of APOA, who presented the Rs. 1 lakh cheque on behalf of Lanco Foundation, reminded the select gathering that it was Karnam Malleswari who was India’s first woman medallist in the 2000 Sydney Olympics and it can be Saina Nehwal’s turn to win the first gold in the 2012 Olympics. Responding to the felicitations, Saina profusely thanked the APOA for its “wonderful gesture”. “It is so nice to be part of their function. There is great warmth and affection in the way they honour me,” said the grateful champion. “Honestly, I never expected to win a Super Series so early but I must say that my confidence level is certainly on a new high thanks primarily to my coach Gopi Sir,” Saina said.

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