by Saran, Renu
Saina walked on ramp for the first time in the year 2010 for Hyderabad Fashion Week. She showcased a creation by designer Pallavi Jaipur. This event was her official entry into the glamour world.
Saina adorned a bridal lehenga and walked on the ramp. This was her first official entry to the glamour world. Many multinational companies have realized the brand value of Saina. It was equal to a cricket player if not more. Saina’s mantra was same on the ramp as in the badminton court. She sent a message to her fans through the advertisement world, “AN OLYMPICS MEDAL FOR COUNTRY”.
In another event, Saina Nehwal and men’s former world number 1 Lee Chong Wei of Malaysia, rubber shoulders with the masters of ramp on the eve of the Yonex Sunrise India Open Superseries.
The Glamour Quotient
Saina was super excited for the event and confessed that it was going to be a unique, experience for all players. She also said that walking the ramp may not be as easy for her and her companions as they are not professional models. According to Saina, she is a player and that’s what she excels in.
Saina Nehwal in her
Glamorous Avtar
In an interview, Saina said that it is a great feeling that badminton is booming and coming up in a good way.
Saina had a great time walking on the ramp. She was very excited about the event as she had never been really into the fashion world before.
“I have never done it. I hope it comes up well,” said Saina before the event.
Saina’s Favourite Badminton
Players
Saina Nehwal is an incredible player for sure. Her unwavering dedication and commitment to the game is proof enough. After winning a huge trail of prestigious titles and awards, the ace shuttler of India is a hot favourite across the globe.
The world admires Saina and keeps and stays attuned about her progress, new additions into her glory and various other activities she indulges in. But whom does this world badminton champion adore?
Here is a list of Saina’s favourite badminton players across the globe:
Wang Shixian
Saina is a huge fan of this female badminton player from China and former World No. 1 women’s singles player. According to Saina, she is determined to win each game she is in. She feels that it is extremely difficult to acquire the mental toughness Wang Shixian posseses.
Wang Yihan
Wang Yihan is a professional female badminton player from China and the reigning women’s singles world champion. Saina simply enjoys playing against her because she opens opportunities for challenging games for her.
Prakash Padukone
Prakash Padukone is a former badminton player from Karnataka, India. He won the All England Championship and became the first Indian to win it. Prakash was awarded the Padma Shri in 1982. He, along with Geet Sethi, the famous billiards player co-founded Olympic Gold Quest. It is a Foundation for the Promotion of Sports in India. Saina feels that this great player had brought laurels to the nation by becoming India’s first number 1 badminton player. She also feels that if Olympics had been a part of badminton when he played, he’d have made the country proud by bringing in an Olympic gold. Saina had once mentioned that badminton players owe Prakash Padukone a lot especially for taking the game into international level.
Pullela Gopichand
Pullela Gopichand is an Indian Badminton player who won the All England Open Badminton Championships in 2001 after defeating Chen Hong of China in the finals by 15-12, 15-6. The ace player also became the second Indian to achieve this feat after Prakash Padukone, who won it in 1980. Being Saina’s coach for many years now, the ace shuttler is completely in awe of him. She feels that Gopichand has brought a hint of freshness to the game. She sees him as an aggressive player who played really hard to get to the top. The injuries brought hindrance to his championships. According to Saina, but for his injuries, her coach would have reigned on top level for good amount of time.
Aparna Popat
Aparna Popat is an Indian badminton player. Saina believes that Popat is one of India’s best badminton players. She respects the player for her skills and as an individual. Aparna was solely interested in her game and inspired many young female players. She was a national championship winner for ten times where she won thrice over Saina in the years 2004, 2005, and 2006.
Taufik Hidayat
Taufik Hidayat is an Indonesian badminton player and a former World and Olympic champion in men’s singles. He has also won the Indonesian Open six times in the years 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2004 and 2006. Saina feels that the player gad made audiences feel how easy the game can be with his skills. She also adds that the player is cute and adorable to watch on court.
Lee Chong Wei
Datuk Lee Chong Wei is a professional badminton player from Malaysia who was ranked first worldwide for 199 consecutive weeks from 21st August 2008 to 14th June 2012 as singles player. He is the only Malaysian shuttler to hold the ranking for more than two weeks. According to Saina, this talented player from Malasia is hard to ignore.
Tine Baun
Tine Baun is a female former badminton player from Denmark. She is known for her victory in the prestigious All England Open Badminton Championships women’s singles title thrice in 2008, 2010, and 2013. Saina adores this player and her formidable presence on the court. Her smash shots are very popular. Saina has won against her at the Olympics.
Tracy Hallam
Hallam played badminton at the 2004 Summer Olympics. In women’s singles, she defeated Juliane Schenk of Germany and Camilla Martin of Denmark in the first two rounds. She won the title of women’s singles of badminton at the 2006 Commonwealth Games. Saina loves this player and to watch her play.
Other Players Saina Adores
• Lu Lan
• Zhang Ning
• Xie Xingfang
Saina’s Favourite Cities
Travelling is an integral part of Saina’s life. Being a badminton player, her career demands frequent national and international trips. The ace shuttler loves to travel. During the beginning of her career, she did not travel abroad much. It was after the Czech Open in the year 2003 that her abroad trips became frequent. Today, international travel is just a part of her work.
According to Saina, the road she travels most is the one that takes her to airport from home and back home from airport! She likes to watch movies, cartoons or play Angry Birds as a part of her in-flight entertainment sessions. Her iPad helps in killing time and keeps her engaged during frequent long trips.
Her First Trip Abroad
Saina’s first trip abroad was when she was just sixteen years old. Till then, she had travelled only with her team. But this trip was different as she was supposed o attend a training programme at Guangzhou in China. She went all alone this time. The trip was sponsored by Mittal Champions Trust. Since it was too expensive for her parents to join in, she decided to move ahead alone. Travelling alone to a foreign land was quite scary for Saina. She had to go through a long gruelling enquiry session with the migration authorities. But finally, she managed to travel back home all alone.
In the year 2008, she again travelled alone to Shanghai for the Master Super Series. She had to stay there for five days. She befriended with her roommate, a Canadian player, Anna Rice. The two got along really well.
The same year, she travelled to Denmark and Hong Kong. This time, it was easier for her to manage. She was an experienced traveller now! This was also the year of learning for her. The homesickness made her call up her parents many times during her stay which resulted in enormous phone bills. In fact, the bills amount to about a lakh of rupees! Then, she realized the importance of buying a local SIM card on foreign trips to save money on phone bills.
Saina travelled to many parts of Asia and Europe. Some of her most frequent visits were to countries like Malaysia, China. Indonesia, Korea, Singapore, Thailand, Macau, Taiwan, Japan, Hong Kong, Switzerland, England, Denmark, France and Germany.
Favourite Cities
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br /> Although, Saina’s tight badminton schedules have always kept her from opportunities to explore the places she visits, she has managed to rank the following cities as her top favourites for various reasons:
Hyderabad
This is the city where this world champion had spent most of her childhood. Her parents were complete strangers to the city. But soon they managed to explore the city for its goodness and opportunities it offered them. She is in awe of this city for its rich culture, history and many interesting places such as Golconda Fort, Charminar, Lumbini Park, Salarjung Museum and many more. Saina feels that the weather here is perfect for an athlete and this worked really well for her.
Kuala Lumpur
Saina plays regularly in Malaysia. Hence, she has developed affection with Kuala Lumpur. The people recognize her. Although, it was not possible for her to explore the city during her tournament visits since 2004, she managed to travel the city finally in the year 2010 when she visited with her father.
Singapore
Saina loves to shop. Her favourite shopping city is Singapore. She is in awe of the clean and spacious roads here. The place is known for its amazing malls and restaurants. Saina feels that the city is a must visit for any food and shopping lover. This is also the place Saina wants to visit for a relaxing break.
Paris
The magical city has caught Saina’s fancy. The Olympic stadiums here are amazing. During a visit to the city with her father, she had an opportunity to catch a glimpse of Eiffle Tower, Louvre Museum to catch a glimpse of Mona Lisa and a lot more.
Shanghai
This is one of Siana’s favourite Chinese cities. She loves it due to the fabulous network of roads and canals the city enjoys. With around four bridges sometimes, it is a complete visual treat for visitors.
Birmingham
The city has a special place in Saina’s heart as it is the venue for the All England Badminton Championships (the mother of all badminton tournaments). She is in awe of the wide roads and cold weather here.
Tokyo
One of the most beautiful cities as Saina likes to describe the city, the place is also known for its incredible road network. The city is technologically advanced and a marvellous place for gadget lovers.
Melbourne
This is the city Saina loves the most in the south. The city is beautiful, clean and well managed. The spacious stadiums are a plus point for any badminton player. Saina also love the people of the city and their hospitality.
Hong Kong
The city is known for its floating restaurants, Skyscapers, and the amazing Disneyland. Saina won the Hong Kong Open here in the year 2010. This was the time she celebrated her victory by visiting Disneyland with her father and teammates. She also paid a visit to the Shiromani Gurudwara with the Indian team the same year.
Dubai
Being a shopaholic, Saina adores this city. She also loves the Burj Khalifa, the world’s highest skyscraper here. Dubai is also known for its incredibly amazing man made attractions such as hotels on sea, the Gold Souk, and mesmerising aquariums.
Saina Nehwal’s Annual
Tournament Itinerary
Saina Nehwal has a specific schedule fixed for each month of the year just as any player of her calibre would. Here is how she plans a year and what is actually scheduled for her each month:
January – Saina plays the Korea Premium Super Series and Malaysia Super Series.
February – The world champion plays the Uber Cup and Sudirman Cup.
March – The month is fixed for the All England Badminton Championships and Swiss Gold Grand Prix.
June – Saina plays the Indonesia Super Series, Singapore Super Series and Thailand Gold Grand Prix during this month.
August – It is the month for Denmark Super series and France Super Series.
September – Saina plays the Super Series in Chinese Taipei and Japan.
October – She is in China to participate in the Chinese Super Series.
November – The month is booked for the Hong Kong Super Series and the Master Super Series.
The Sportspersons Saina
Admires
Saina Nehwal is a badminton champion. However, the girl has always shown interest in other sports and even has her favourites under each category. Here is a list of sportsperson Saina admires.
Steffi Graf
This is a special sports star for Saina because she was referred to as ‘Steffi Saina’ in her childhood years. Stefanie Maria “Steffi” Graf was born on 14th June, 1969, in Mannheim, Baden-Württemberg, West Germany. She is a former World No. 1 German tennis player. The skilled sports star has won 22 Grand Slam singles titles, second among male and female players only to Margaret Court’s 24. Her 22 singles titles mark the record for most Grand Slam wins by a tennis player (male or female) since introduction of the Open Era in 1968. Graf became the first and only tennis player (male or female) to achieve the Calendar Year Golden Slam in the year 1988 by winning all four Grand Slam singles titles and the Olympic gold medal in the same calendar year. She is the only player, male or female, to win 5 consecutive grand slams (1988 Australian Open to 1989 Australian Open) and 7 Grand Slams out of 8 in 2 calender years (1988 Australian Open to 1989 US Open, except 1989 French open). Saina Nehwal is a great fan of this former tennis star.
Roger Federer
Saina Nehwal is a great fan of Roger Federer. She watches the matches of the Swiss champion to learn from his mental make-up. The great Swiss professional tennis player was born on 8th August, 1981. Federer holds several men’s world records of the Open Era: holding the World No. 1 position for 302 weeks overall, winning 17 Grand Slam singles titles; reaching the finals of each Grand Slam tournament at least five times (an all-time record); and reaching the Wimbledon final eight times.
Ace Shuttler Saina Nehwal’s mother feels that most commentators and former and current players consider Federer the greatest tennis player of all time. He is one of seven men, and one of four in the Open Era, to capture the career Grand Slam, and one of three (with Andre Agassi and Rafael Nadal) to do so individually on clay, grass, and hard courts.
Saina Nehwal, watches every match of the Swiss champion to learn from his mental make-up. Her mother also ensures that she learns by watching Federer so that she could see how he approaches his match psychologically. Saina wants to meet Federer. She was excited about a chance in Beijing (2008 Olympics), but that went by.
Rafael Nadal
Critics like to call Saina Nehwal as the Rafael Nadal of India. Who is Rafael Nadal? Ask any tennis fan, and he will tell you the glory of Rafael Nadal. He has been a pillar of inner strength and determination especially when it comes to meeting the nearly – impossible goals. His journey to defeat Novak Djokovic after losing seven consecutive finals was definitely the epitome of his mental fortitude.
Saina is a true fan of this tennis star. She gets inspired by the never-say-die-attitude of Rafael. Born on 3rd June, 1986, Nadel is a Spanish professional tennis player and a former world No. 1. Currently, he is ranked No. 4 by the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP). He is also regarded as one of the greatest players of all time. His incredible success on clay has earned him the nickname ‘The King of Clay’.
The sports critics feel that India has its own Rafael Nadal in the form of Saina Nehwal and the day is not far when she will gain the same reputation as the international star.
Mary Kom
Mary Kom, known as Mangte Chungneijang by birth, was born on 1st March, 1983, is an Indian boxer belonging to Kom tribal community of north-eastern state of Manipur. She is a five-time World Boxing champion, and the only woman boxer to have won a medal in each one of the six world championships. Saina Nehwal adores this world champion for her courage and willpower that helped her being the only Indian woman boxer to have qualified for the 2012 Summer Olympics, competing in the flyweight (51 kg) category and winning the bronze medal. Ranked as No. 4 AIBA World Women’s Ranking Flyweight category, this talented la
dy has definitely created a special place in the ace shuttler’s heart.
India’s London Olympic bronze medal winners badminton player Saina Nehwal, left, and boxer MC Mary Kom pose with their medals at an event celebrating their victory, in Bengaluru
Maria Sharapova
Saina adores Maria Yuryevna Sharapova so much so that she had a purchased a Mobile advertised by Maria sharapova on television. Born on April 19, 1987, Sharapova is a Russian professional tennis player who is presently ranked as World No. 2 by the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA). She is also the top Russian player and the only one in the top 10. The United States resident since 1994 has won twenty-nine WTA singles titles, including four Grand Slam singles titles. She became the World No. 1 for the first time on August 22, 2005, and last held the ranking for the fifth time for four weeks from June 11, 2012 to July 8, 2012.
Saina feels that the way she has made a comeback after shoulder surgery is nothing short of amazing. Saina also had a shoulder problem and knows how difficult it gets. Saina aspires to meet Sharapova some day.
Sachin Tendulkar
Saina Nehwal is a huge Sachin Tendulkar fan and that she has accepted time and again. Born as Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar on 24th April, 1973, Sachin is an Indian cricketer widely acknowledged as one of the greatest batsmen in One Day International. He is second only to Don Bradman in the all time greatest list in Test cricket.
Soon, after winning a bronze medal in the London Games, Saina Nehwal received a BMW car for her victory at the London Olympics from none other than batting legend Sachin Tendulkar. The felicitation function was organised by Vice President of Andhra Badminton Association Chamundeshwari Nath, who honoured the city girl by buying her the luxurious car.
