National badminton team is getting stronger for 2016 Olympic Games, says badminton star Saina Nehwal
India’s best badminton shuttler Saina Nehwal said that considering the recent performance of Indian shuttlers, the national badminton team is getting stronger and will live up to expectations at the 2012 Olympics Games.
Indian players displayed wonderful improvement in their game and put up superb display in all of their matches at the London Olympics 2012 and proved that they are ready to challenge the elite shuttlers in the world.
The World Number Five Saina reached into the semi-final of the tournament and finished as a bronze medallist.
On the other hand, Parupalli Kashyap showed his tremendous class and reached at the quarter-final stage in Men’s Singles category.
Jwala Gutta, Ashwini Ponnappa and V. Diju all proved their worth at group stages in Women’s Doubles and Mixed Doubles category.
All that indicates that Indian shuttlers have got top quality skills and are have the ability to spoil the party of any top shuttler on a given day.
While talking about her performance at 2008 Beijing Olympics and 2012 London Olympics, Saina expressed that she and other team members have shown improvement.
She stated, “Last time (Beijing Games) I played quarterfinals, this time I have a bronze, Kashyap played quarterfinals, Jwala and V. Diju played good match. I think the team is getting strong for the next Olympics.”
While talking about her achievement at Olympics and, Saina said that Olympic medal holds paramount importance and that she will continue playing as long as she remains in good condition.
She added, “There is nothing bigger than standing on podium with an Olympic medal. That's life for me.”
She further said, “It depends how you progress. I played a 33-years old (Tine Baun of Denmark) in London (in quarter finals). As long as I am winning, I will continue.”
The 22-year-old Saina is confident that Indian youngsters will take inspiration from her achievement no matter if the national team could manage to bring only one medal from Olympics.
The Indian mega star is optimistic that the recent performance at London Olympics is an indication that Indian shuttlers are bridging the skill gap with an impressive speed and they will be ready to pounce on their rivals at the upcoming edition of Olympics.
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