Saina Nehwal expects Delhi will be another high like Melbourne
Four years ago at the Commonwealth Games, held in the city of Melbourne, when Aparna Popat was losing in the mixed side competition to Tracey Hallam from England, a youngster from the badminton team of India, Saina Nehwal turned to coach Vimal Kumar and
stated, “I can beat Hallam."
Vimal attempted to sense the seriousness of a sixteen year old teenager who had never previously contested in any major international event and yet was talking to defeat a silver medallist in the games at Manchester back in 2002.
It took Kumar just few seconds to take a final decision. He drafted her in place of Popay, who was struggling as a result of her form, in India’s next tie versus Singapore.
Saina Nehwal, a youngster did not let the coach down. She stunned Li Li, the Manchester gold medallist, inspiring her side to a 3-1 win.
In the semis, she did well to keep her word by getting the better of Hallam in spite of the fact that the Indian side lost the tie in the end.
It was s superb turnaround for the Indian badminton side as well as the teenager. India captured the bronze medal in the mixed competition and Saina had arrived on the international arena starting a fairy tale success story.
"I was lucky to get a chance. It proved to be the turning point of my career. I know how a junior feels when you get a chance to play against top international players that too in an event like Commonwealth Games. You just want to go there and play well.
There is no pressure. I played freely and beat some top players,” said Saina who is now number three and a powerful player for the women’s' singles gold in this season’s Commonwealth Games, as she recalls her memories of her past days.
Kumar also vividly remembers the piece of history that made Nehwal.
"When she spoke to me taking a mental note of Hallam's game, it was not arrogance. She spoke with confidence and conviction I knew that Saina was special. I had seen her play against Indonesians in training. In fact, I thought she could even end up winning
the gold in the individual championship after her inspiring show in the mixed event,” said Vimal.
He further added that Saina is a very strong player in terms of her mental strength. She plays without any fear and is not scared of defeat which is her biggest strength. Moreover, she is also extremely dedicated and focused to her game as her entire world
revolves around badminton.
Saina when asked about her beginning said that it seems as if 2006 was yesterday
"Thanks to Vimal Sir, he gave me the chance to test myself in the big league. It came at the right time. I wanted to play the top players. I wanted to play every match. After Melbourne, I was brimming with confidence."
That season she registered her name as the first player from India to triumph in a grand prix gold event by winning a trophy at the Philippines Open. Her outstanding rise in the world of badminton has continued since then.
This season has been special for the professional badminton player from India. She triumphed in three back to back championships including two super series however was fallen down in the quarters of the World tournament. She also made her way into the number
two rankings in the world.
When asked about her game, she said that she is working hard on her movement and defence where she thinks she needs to improve after the World Championships.
Tags: