Rudy Hartono: Saina Nehwal needs to win World and Olympic titles – Badminton News
Former World Champion and Indonesian badminton legend, Rudy Hartono has expressed his views for Saina Nehwal of India by saying that she needs to win the titles in the World Championships and Olympic Games in the next two years.
The 21-year-old Saina is the top seed in India and is currently placed at World Number Four in the Women’s Singles world rankings. She has clinched many titles including Singapore Open Super Series, Indonesia Open Super Series, Hong Kong Open Super Series,
Chinese Taipei Open Grand Prix Gold, India Open Grand Prix Gold and Swiss Open Grand Prix Gold.
However, the Indian shuttler has been unable to win the title in major events, including World Championships and Olympic Games. According to Hartono, she has two years in which to win these titles as it will be very hard for her to win any of these championships
after this period.
Hartono said, "This year and the next is crucial for her. She must win all that she can before she goes past her peak. She definitely has the potential to reach the number one spot, but she must win the big titles before she can do so."
Saina Nehwal is the only Indian in the Women’s Singles category, who has clinched the titles in Super Series events in the presence of Chinese shuttlers, proving that she has the ability to win titles in the mega events.
According to the Indonesian legend, it is right time for her to work hard and get maximum benefit out of it as she is physically and mentally strong at the moment.
On the other hand, if she fails to produce better form in these mega events, then it will be very difficult for her to gain the momentum as many young shuttlers of China and other nations will take over the charge.
Saina, who is participating in the Thailand Open Grand Prix Gold 2011, will play two more events in the proceeding month, which are the Singapore Open Super Series 2011 and the Indonesia Open Premier Super Series 2011. The Indian will be the defending champion
in both events.
Tags: