Interviews

Saina Nehwal

Saina Nehwal became first women shuttler to represent India in Olympics. Though she missed a medal narrowly, Saina feels it was quite a learning experience for her. Excerpts from her interview with NDTV.com:

It was your first Olympic appearance. What positives have you drawn from it?

It was my dream to represent my country in Olympics. It was a big experience. Performing at a platform as big as Olympics teaches you a lot. I too learnt some lessons but the biggest lesson was to control my nerves at crucial points.

You were so close to the medal, what went wrong?

I think it was my curiosity to enter the semi-finals. At that point I could not control my nerves and the match slipped away. It was painful. Earlier, PT Usha and Milkha Singh too had missed medals by a whisker. None of them wanted to lose and it was no different with me. I wanted the best but that did not happen. I hope other sportspersons do not have to go through this.

What are the areas of the game that you think you have to work on?

I need to work on building stamina and endurance. While my training module is good, I have to focus a bit harder.

So far, what are the high and low points of your career?

Winning a place in Uber cup team of India in 2004, Philippines Open 2006 and entering the semi-finals of Singapore Open have been my high points. For me nothing is more disappointing than losing in three sets to any player. For me every single win is crucial.

Both your parents are former badminton champions. Was that your driving force towards the game?

My parents played for Haryana and were national champions but they never forced me to play. They have been very co-operative but they never interfere, as they know my coaches are there to guide me.

What according to you is hampering India from becoming a sporting power?

According to me, the future of sportspersons is not secure and that probably is the biggest hindrance. Parents still prefer their children to become a doctor or an engineer. They are ready to spend huge amount of money on their education but not on sports. Taking up sports professionally is still not a preferable option in our society.

Many people blame popularity of cricket for other sports being overshadowed, what's your take?

Media is responsible for it. You guys cover each and every thing related to cricket. Few days back I saw a news channel covering a birthday party of a young cricketer. Have you ever heard of such a thing for any other sportsperson? I have nothing against cricket, as it is a nice game. But what I am trying to point out is all sports should be given equal importance. Nobody can find badminton rankings of the last five years but you have all the information about cricket within your reach. Maybe because this game generates money. People are concerned about cricket while nobody cares for other sports.

How do you think the standard of Indian sports can be improved?

It is important to groom young talents in a systematic way. I think a three-tier system - from 8 to 10 years, 10 to 14 years and seniors - will work. Also, government and authorities should make sure that the future of sportspersons are financially secure. They should be exposed to world-class facilities at every level.

I would also like to advise youngsters to indulge themselves in sports. It makes you more disciplined, healthy and wiser. And if you are good, who knows you might go on to become a sports star.

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