Saina Nehwal is a famous Indian badminton player. Accordingly, she was the only female from India who attain the world’s number one ranking. So, can say that she is the most successful sportsperson. And also an inspiring icon in increasing the popularity of badminton in India.  She is one of the athletes supported by the Olympic Gold Quest. So, let’s see her real quest for the Gold Medal.

Journey of Saina Nehwal’s growth

A daughter of Usha Nehwal and Dr. Harvir Singh, Saina Nehwal was born on March 17, 1990, in Hasir, Haryana. Both her parents were badminton players, and where mother was a state-level player. In order to fulfill her dreams took up badminton. At the age of 8, she started to play badminton. Her family supported her back and forth in order to get trained and develop her sport.

As for schooling, she went to CCS HAU, Hisar, and Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan Public School, Hyderabad. Furthermore, Saina completed her education in NIRD School Rajendranager, Hyderabad andSt. Ann’s College for Women, Hyderabad. 

Additionally, Saina Nehwal underwent badminton training at Gopichand Badminton Academy run by Pullela Gopichand. Afterward, she trained under U. Vimal Kumar at Prakash Padukone Badminton Academy Bangalore.

Badminton career

In 2006, as an entry, Saina Nehwal created history by winning the “Asian Satellite Badminton tournament” twice. At the age of 16, she won the 4-star tournament as the youngest player. she became the first Indian to win World  Junior Badminton Championship. Saina became “The Most Promising Player” by the Badminton World Federation in 2008 after, winning the China Masters superseries.  

After several matches from 2008 to 2019 in China and the Philippines, during this, she prepared for the 2010 Commonwealth Games. Altogether, her successive journey paid off to get a Gold Medal in the 2010 Women’s Singles badminton event.

Nehwal successfully defended her Swiss Open Title by defeating Wang Shixian on 18 March 2012. Then on 10 June 2012, she defeated Thailand’s Ratchanok Intanon in the Thailand Open title. Before  2019, she almost reached every finale and was seeded other than 1^st place. Lastly, She won her first BWF Super 500 title, the Indonesia Masters, after the latter retired from the court injured.

Family of Saina Nehwal

She married fellow badminton player Parupalli Kashyap. The couple tied the knot in an intimate ceremony on 14 December 2018. Regardless of the look, if something makes a moment meaning is having a loved one around.

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Awards

Gold Medal Quest

Achievement

She achieved a rare feat by winning medals in the quintet of badminton tournaments – the Olympics. Also in the World Championships, the Commonwealth Games, the Asian Championships, and the Asian Games.

Running off and on the court, regardless of tiredness, she continued her journey of zigzag even though many failures. Furthermore managed to boost up and achieved many milestones for India in the sport of badminton. Undoubtedly, she is the first female Indian player to achieve a world number 1 ranking in badminton. 

Her autobiography, finally released in 2012, Playing to Win: My Life On and Off Court. Also, her biopic “Saina” based on her life, directed by Amol Gupte with actress Parineeti Chopra playing the title role, was released in 2021.

Also Read: Sania Mirza | The Star of Indian Tennis