Saina Nehwal is on the top of the world.
Saina Nehwal is on the top of the world. The queen of Indian badminton on Monday added yet another feather to an already-crowded cap after it was announced that she will be conferred with one of India’s highest civilian honours — the Padma Bhushan.
The Padma Bhushan is awarded for ‘distinguished service of a high order’, and after Saina’s exploits over the last 12 months, it was an honour well earned for the 25-year-old.
She couldn’t emphasise enough on just how thrilled she was at receiving the award. “It’s a great, great honour and I’m very, very, very happy,” Saina said.
“I would like to dedicate this award to (coach) Vimal Kumar sir. He is the one who completely transformed me over the last year or so. I’ve become the player I am right now only because of him,” she said.
Saina, who’s in a race to get fully fit after sustaining an Achilles injury recently, said the news came as a bit of a surprise.
“I wasn’t expecting this one bit. Several sportspersons have done extremely well in various disciplines.
“So I was just content with my results. I thought I’d just train and work hard and leave this decision to the Government of India,” Saina said.
After winning the China Open in 2014, Saina has been on a rampage.
She won the Syed Modi Grand Prix in Lucknow and her maiden India Open Superseries title before an adoring home crowd in Delhi.
She also reached the final of the World Championships, All England Open as well as the China Open Superseries. “The year went by so fast it feels like I did all that only yesterday. It all feels surreal. This (award) gives me impetus to do well in the future as well.”
Saina may not defend Syed Modi crown Saina said she was yet to get back to full fitness and as good as ruled herself out of the Syed Modi international badminton championship, where she is a two-time defending champion.
“Right now I’m merely focusing on getting back in shape, which is most important.
“I might not even play at Syed Modi. I wasn’t at my fittest during the Premier Badminton League, and I haven’t seen too much of an improvement since then. It will take some more time for me to get back in shape.
“I just don’t want to play without being fully fit. I want to be at the peak of my fitness when I play. And that will take some more time,” she said.
