I like being called stylish, a compliment that I cherish: Saina Nehwal

SAINA NEHWAL is very well known for her on-court antics but she has also managed to score an ace off the court by impressing the fashion critics with her sense of dressing style. She believes that it is very important to be well-groomed.

"I haven't hired a stylist but I agree that I have worked on my appearance. I am quite surprised that people have been noticing that so keenly," she said to HT Cafe.

She further added,

"Most of my time is spent on the court, where I have to follow a strict dress code. So each time I get a chance to dress up, I go full throttle."

The 26-year-old Hyderabadi shuttler likes it when she is called stylish and also considers it as a compliment.

"I like being called stylish. It's a compliment that I cherish. I will try to keep up my style quotient. I think I am just fit, so the clothes I wear look better on me. Also, it isn't very difficult for sportswomen to look great, because they are blessed with great bodies."

Her favourite style icons are Maria Sharapova and Shah Rukh Khan.

"Globally I think Maria Sharapova has a great dressing sense. Among men, I like how Shah Rukh Khan dresses. He looks smart in whatever he wears, especially when he steps out in black suits."

She was recently awarded the Padma Bhushan from the president and considers it as the most prestigious event in her life.

"It was special day for me. Honestly, I didn't expect the award, though I was hoping that they would choose me for it. I thank the government for this honour and I will only work harder now."