Thaindian News

Hyderabad, June 29 (IANS) India’s badminton ace Saina Nehwal, who created history by winning three titles in a row and is on the third spot in world ranking, is confident of becoming the number one player.
Saina, who arrived here Tuesday to a rousing welcome by family, friends and the Gopichand Badminton Academy, said she would work harder to win the World Championship, Commonwealth Games and Asian Games.

“When I can become world number three, I can also become world number one,” said the 20-year-old.

She, however, added that she would not push herself hard to be number 1 so fast but work hard to win major tournaments.

“I am quite happy that I have reached the number three spot. But it is important for me to work hard and win tournaments rather than focus on rankings,” she said.

“After winning three tournaments in a row, the confidence level has gone up. For me it is important to stay focused and keep working hard the same way, play selective tournaments so that I can stay injury free and play well,” said a proud Saina while displaying her medals.

Saina won the Indonesian Open Super Series Sunday to make a hat-trick of badminton titles in three weeks. She earlier won the Indian Open Grand Prix and the Singapore Open Super Series.

“After the Singapore Open, which was a tough tournament, I was mentally and physically quite tired but I told myself ‘Saina you have to give your best and win this tournament’,” she said about her victory in the Indonesia Open final against Sayaka Sato of Japan.

She said that the absence of top Chinese players at Indonesian Open can’t take sheen out of her feat.

“I think all the upcoming players from all countries are playing well. The Chinese are the main power house but other players also give equal competition to the Chinese,” she said and pointed out that there were two good Chinese players at the Singapore Open.

Stating that all Indian players were performing well, she said the players from any country would be scared to play against any Indian player.

Flanked by India’s chief coach Pullela Gopichand and her father Harvir Nehwal, Saina said now that she is world number three it would not be easy to retain it.

“It will be tough but I am going to work even harder,” she said.

“I am lucky I got all this at this age. At the age of 20, I am world number three and I still can’t believe it,” she said, while giving credit to Gopichand for shaping her into an international player.

Sania sees herself as a youth icon.

“Many young kids are getting inspiration from me and playing badminton. Many girls are watching my matches.

“I have become a better player after winning three tournaments. I have improved but will try to improve further. Since I am an attacking player, I have to focus more on defence and work on the weaknesses,” she said.

Asked about the World Championship, she said there will be pressure.

“You can’t expect a player to perform and win titles every time. I want to give my best,” she said.

She was all praise for the Indian junior players. “I am sure the future of badminton is very bright and you can see many more champions coming up from India.”