Chong Wei feels Saina Nehwal is a strong contender for Olympic medal – Badminton News
The badminton queen of India, Saina Nehwal is considered as the biggest threat for Chinese ladies in the arena and now the king of badminton world Lee Chong Wei also declared her the strongest contender for gold medal in the 2012 London Olympics.
World Number five shuttler Saina is in prime touch after retaining the Swiss Open title even in presence of her Chinese nemesis and now she is suppose to escort her country to glory in mega event which is going to be staged from July 28, 2012.
Top male shuttler of the world, Chong Wei believes if she carries her recent form and prepares well then she has every chance to wear gold medal around her neck in the Olympics.
He said, "The ultimate goal of playing in a competition is winning. Whoever is well prepared, the chance to win is ready. She's (Saina) young and has a strong skill, she has every potential to win if she continues her good work."
The Indian girl is looking to regain her fourth spot in the rankings which is occupied by Li Xuerui of China.
At the moment, the Chinese shuttlers Wang Yihan, Wang Xin, Wang Shixian and Li Xuerui are placed at top four positions in the world and if they sustain their position until May 3 rankings as Saina will have to surpass the top three Chinese girls in the London
event.
However, the Malaysian maestro Chong Wei feels that only time will tell how the wind blows and in whose favour. He thinks nobody is invincible ever and by sweating hard anyone can make even a Champion taste defeat.
Chong Wei said, "To an athlete, Olympic is an extraordinary important tournament, but competition is always cruel, only one winner can be at the pinnacle, but even the greatest hero can be defeated, nobody can stand on it forever."
Women’s Singles expert Saina Nehwal will be displaying her craft in the Yonex Sunrise India Open from April 24 and she has been given a tricky draw in home event as almost every prime female shuttler will be swinging her arms in New Delhi.
Meanwhile, the Men’s Singles event will see Lee Chong Wei, making comeback after injury break, defending his title.
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