It looked as if everything at the Directorate of Oil Seeds Research at the Dr. Acharya Ranga Agricultural University (Rajendranagar) here came to a standstill for close to 45 minutes on Friday afternoon as the most popular shuttler Saina Nehwal was battling for a place the 2012 London Olympics.
For, the staff at the University where Saina’s father Dr. Harvir Singh is a scientist was all glued to the TV sets in their respective rooms – perhaps like millions across India in anticipation of an assured medal from the champion Hyderabadi.
Despite giving a series of sound bytes to the TV channels just before the match, Dr. Harvir Singh was a picture of composure when he quietly slipped into the Room No.1at the Jyothi Hostel on the University premises to be joined soon by the horde of media personnel armed with cameras.
The sight of members of the Brahmakumaris tying ‘rakhi’ even as the scoreline read 3-3 all in the second game and started distributing sweets, he did not any signs of discomfort, politely accepting all the wishes and managing to have a glance on the TV screen for the live telecast.
The early smiles when the Saina-Wang Yihan semi-final began made way slowly for grim faces as the Chinese World No. 1 started taking control despite a relatively tough first game.
“Arey yeh (Saina) height dheri hain Chinese ko. Yeh nahin karna,” exclaimed the proud father of Saina when the shuttler was tossing up the shuttle to the advantage of the opponent. “Come on, maar,” was how he was screaming the few times Saina managed to pull of her trade-mark smashes.
Even as the second game started, there was a lot of optimism when Saina leveled the scores quite a few times till 12-all which saw her father show lot of enthusiasm.
But, soon when it became apparent that Wang Yihan began dictating terms, Dr. Harvir too seemed to have resigned to fate.
But, in true sporting spirit, he was seen applauding the moment Chinese girl emerged a clear winner.
“This was not Saina’s day honestly. You must appreciate the way Wang played today. After all she is the World No. 1. Definitely, Saina could have played better,” he remarked at the end of the most-eagerly badminton contest from Indian perspective.
“I am still proud of my daughter for having reached thus far,” he said to a query.
“Well, she did speak to me last night about today’s match. She was aware that she was up against World No. 1. I just advised to be relaxed and give off her best. In sport as in life you win some and lose some,” Dr. Harvir Singh pointed out.
“It is not all over even now. Saina can still win a bronze (she plays Wang Xin in the play-off),” said the father. “Any medal in Olympics is a special feat and I am confident that she will come back with the bronze,” he concluded.
Keywords: London Olympics 2012, London 2012, Saina Nehwal
All 121 million indians are behind you not only in your happiness but also in your sadness .You have tried your best but it was not your day .
Let this sadness doesn't come in the way of winning an olympics medal for our country india.
Well done saina and all the best for your bronze medal competition .You will win it for sure...
Great show ! Saina Keep it up.
It's not about the day - she's played Wang 6 times and lost every time.
Wang's too good and Saina hasn't got the goods. Having said that, she
*has* beaten the other two semi-finalists - so I'm still going to
support her for her bronze tomorrow. And hope for another shot at gold
in 4 years. That, probably, will be Saina's last attempt.
It's ok Saina..Your country is proud of you..You fought bravely and that's what we Indian expected from you..All the best for your next match..I am very much sure that you'll bring us a medal..
its ok.all the best for next match.dont feel saina,you are great player of india.saina try to get bronz medal atleast.
Let not today's event become an impede for tomorrows success. All the best for tomorrows battle.
best luck saina...........go post this useless comment..
when you moderate comment it means its not their but your views you are posting
Best of luck for tomorrow.... Get the Bronze for India.... Try ti give your best......
All the best "Bravo". Lots to come.
well she made it into semi finals..
and thats big deal..
if she had won,all the political parties would have competed to take credit of her success..
but in reals no one supports during those struggling years..though everyone knows it..
We were cheering for you from our offices in London. I would have loved
to watch you play and cheer you on. Go Saina go! Go for the kill at the
bronze medal match! Wishing you loads of luck!
Well done Saina, you have made us proud..not to worry..and feel proud
just as we are today..we still shall pray for you...you know you will
remain special to us indians even if you don't win a medal... many
blessings...
She is one of most successful sportsperson India has. Hats off to her for fighting so far, Quater final was a tough match though she made it appear easy. All the best. Let us congratulate her for whatever she has achieved so far.
all the best saina..
Its ok brave heart........just ensure that the unforced errors which you commited today doesnt get repeated tomorrow......!!all the best "the golden bird of india"...
All the very best for Saina to get another Bronze for India tomorrow!
Like his dad quoted , its not her day.
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