Saina Nehwal, born on 17th March 1990 in Hisar, Haryana, India, has made her mark in the history of badminton with her outstanding performance and tireless commitment. Having been a trailblazer of Indian badminton, she has inspired many young players and increased the profile of the country on the global badminton scene.
Early Life and Education
Saina was born to a sports-oriented family. Her father, Dr. Harvir Singh Nehwal, was a scientist with the Directorate of Oilseeds Research, and her mother, Usha Nehwal, was a state-level badminton player from Haryana. This sporty background from her family served as a critical factor in the shaping of Saina's career. She had her schooling at Campus School CCS HAU, Hisar, and subsequently enrolled at St. Ann's College for Women, Hyderabad.
Introduction to Badminton
Saina's affair with badminton started at a young age of eight when her family shifted base to Hyderabad. Her parents recognizing her ability put her into the coaching camps of Nani Prasad and subsequently S.M. Arif, a Dronacharya Award-winning trainer. Her strenuous training routine and natural aptitude soon began reaping benefits in the junior circuit.
Rise in the International Arena
Saina broke through in 2006 by winning the Philippines Open, the first Indian female to win a four-star badminton tournament.This was the beginning of her glorious international career. In 2008, she reached the quarterfinals of the Beijing Olympics, a great feat for a debutante. She also emerged victorious at the World Junior Badminton Championships in the same year, solidifying her reputation as a force to be reckoned with on the international circuit.
Olympic Successes
The zenith of Saina's life came during the 2012 London Olympics as she secured a bronze medal for women's singles badminton. It was making history with her as it was the first Olympic medal being won by an Indian shuttler, and it placed the game of badminton under the spotlight in India and brought the era of the new breed of players in vogue.
Commonwealth Games Success
Saina's dominance was also seen in the Commonwealth Games. She won the gold medal in women's singles at the 2010 Delhi Commonwealth Games, beating Malaysia's Wong Mew Choo in the final. She repeated this feat at the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games, demonstrating her consistency and excellence. She was also a key figure in helping India win the gold medal at the mixed team event in 2018.
Asian Championships and Other Outstanding Performances
Although the Asian Championships were challenging, Saina consistently displayed worthy performances. She made semifinals in 2010 and 2016, winning bronze medals on both sides. Her grit and determination were evident as she fought against the cream of the continent's players. She achieved the world number one ranking in 2015, becoming the first Indian woman to achieve the feat. During this time, she also made it to the finals of the All England Open and won the India Open Super Series.
Injuries and Comebacks
As with all the legends, Saina also had her share of injuries. A knee issue in the 2016 Rio Olympics marred her game, and she was knocked out early. Despite all this, her never-say-die attitude helped her stage stunning comebacks, winning titles such as the Malaysia Masters in 2017 and the Indonesia Masters in 2019.
Personal Life
In December of 2018, Saina married fellow badminton star Parupalli Kashyap. The couple, who coach Pullela Gopichand trained, enjoy a very special bond on as well as off the court. Their union best represents respect for each other coupled with deep understanding, helping contribute to each player's successful careers.
Legacy and Influence
Saina Nehwal's rags-to-riches story from a small Haryana girl to an international badminton celebrity is nothing short of inspiring. Not only have her wins brought glory for the nation but also opened doors for generations of Indian shuttlers to come. Players such as Kidambi Srikanth and P.V. Sindhu have drawn inspiration from Saina in the past. Her book, "Playing to Win," is a book into her journey, challenges, and the constant need to be the best.
Awards and Honours
Saina's efforts towards sports have been compensated with numerous awards. She was awarded the Arjuna Award in 2009, the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna in 2009-2010, and the Padma Shri in 2010. In 2016, she was awarded the Padma Bhushan, India's third-highest civilian honour, recognising her invaluable contribution to Indian sports.
Conclusion
Saina Nehwal's glittering career is a testament to her hard work, persistence, and passion for badminton. Not only has she boosted the reputation of Indian badminton at the global level but has also become an icon for aspiring sportspersons. Her career is a pointer towards the need to remain committed, not lose hope, and pursue one's dreams with unremitting zeal.
