Next week, when the world official badminton rankings will be out, you’ll find a Hyderabadi right on top. Haryana-born champion shuttler Saina Nehwal will be only the second Indian after the legendary Prakash Padukone to be World No.1. But the 25-year-old, who has been a trend-setter by her performances at the highest level, seems to have received the news with equanimity.“Rankings don’t matter when you enter any event. After all, you have to give your best to beat the opponent, for no one enters the court to lose. But, these rankings are important when you look back. There is a sense of immense satisfaction and a different kind of recognition,” she reasons.
However, by being No.1 Saina has well and truly walked into the pages of India’s sporting history. Currently fighting it out at the India Open in Delhi, she has her eyes set on gold in the 2016 Rio Olympics under the tutelage of her coach and former national champion Vimal Kumar. “It is a great feeling. I am proud to be the father of a World No.1. This is something we never thought of when she started playing badminton more than a decade ago,” says her father Dr. Harvir Singh.
It is a great feeling. I am proud to be the father of a World No.1. This is something we never thought of when she started playing badminton more than a decade ago
- Dr. Harvir Singh
Saina’s father
