Blessed to be born with a go-getter attitude, have the potential to defeat anyone: Saina Nehwal
INDIA'S LEADING SHUTTLER Saina Nehwal had to deal with a lot of injury issues when the year began. But when she finally returned to court it was in her best health, and it was evident in Australia where she won the title.
Now as Olympics is just around the corner, she is confident of performing well and will be at her best fitness.
"I feel I am fit, with some nagging injuries. I am running nicely. At the end of the day, it's important that you reach the peak and play your best during that particular week. That's what will count ultimately and will be the key," she said to IANS.
"Moreover, mental conditioning is as important as your physical strengthening. I have been blessed to be born with a go-getter attitude. I like to win and having a positive mind set really helps."
Over the years Saina has grown as a player as the experience has helped her perform well.
"Rio is an ideal place to showcase my game. You can't predict results, you need hard work and God's blessing, apart from support of your family and fraternity. I take each tournament as it comes. Rio Olympics will also be like any other games. My approach to the game is very positive and I would like to keep it like that and focus on my game. Coming with an experience, I feel that on the day that I am 100 per cent fit, I have the potential to defeat anyone. I do not feel pressure too much. The moment you are on the court nothing else matters," she said.
Saina is aware of her opponents who will be at their best and she doesn't want to take anyone lightly.
"I believe every player is there because they have the potential. Each game is going to be a tough game and each player will be a serious challenger."
She also shared some of her training routines.
"The entire day is spent in different sessions of training with sparring partners in three sessions of five hours in total -- two, two and one hour sessions. Then there is full stretching with the physio, good nutritious meals and sound sleep. There is also a bit of entertainment on TV before I sleep."
When asked how different it has been since participating in the first Olympics, she said,
"It was an amazing experience of participating in Beijing Olympics, I was only 18 years old that time. Now people expect a lot because I feel I have inspired a new generation to take up badminton, especially girls. It was a breakthrough for me to enter the quarter-final stage at Beijing and I believe that it gave Indian badminton a massive facelift. Across the world, one generation of successful athletes inspires the next lot of champions."
"It is a trend, and Beijing saw Indian badminton cash in on my story. From then, the pressure has been on me to perform and build on my success, and this proved to be a motivating factor in my career. Women power is certainly on the rise in badminton in India. Many more players are coming up now. It is a healthy sign and a good trend."
