The next best thing to happen to Indian badminton after Prakash Padukone and Pullela Gopichand is 20-year-old Saina Nehwal, who won the three super series all in a row - Indian Open, Singapore Open and Indonesian Open to notch up the World No 3 position. On her elevation to the third spot, a humble Saina said that she was not perfect and she appreciated all those who supported her. She said that she was unsure whether she would be able to emulate a hat-trick next year. A confident Saina said that reaching the top was possible thanks to Coach Pullela Gopichand. “Rankings come naturally if one performs. I just want to keep playing better and better and scale new heights,” Saina said.

Giving all credit of her success to her coach, Saina said that Gopi Sir was an important man in her life. “He’s a guardian, mentor and friend,” she said adding that she was lucky to have him as her coach. Earlier, players across the globe were scared of the Chinese shuttlers, but today Saina too sends shivers down their spine. Some of them have already started feeling the jitters, while playing against Indians.

The other Indians doing the country proud are Jwala Gutta and D Viju, Saina said. Very soon there would be more Indians on the badminton circuit, she said. When compared to Indian badminton stars, Saina said that she was not ready to be put in the same bracket as Prakash Sir and Gopichand Sir. “They have been great players and I am following their footsteps to make badminton popular. I am happy the way I am,” Saina said.

For Saina, her next target is to do well in the upcoming World Championships and Commonwealth Games in October. “My focus now is World Championships, Commonwealth Games and Asian Games apart from reaching the top spot. I didn’t expect to reach third spot now,” the teen idol said.

Speaking about improvements in the game, Saina said that she had to work hard to keep on improving every time. “I have to improve my defence, net, backhands and forehands. I should work on the areas where I am weak,” the World No 3 said.On her win in three successive tournaments, Saina gave credit to her hard-earned stamina. She said that it was important to improve her stamina as a match daily for a fortnight was tough.

On advice to youngsters, Saina said that there was no shortcut to success. Stay focused on your game to achieve success, she said.

Commenting on their daughter’s success, Saina’s parents said that they were very proud of her. Her father Dr Harvir Singh said that her victory proved that women were doing well in sports in the country.

Saina, who hails from Haryana and has made Hyderabad her home, was honoured by the state Chief Minister Konijeti Rossaiah with a cash prize of Rs. 25 lakh. The CM also congratulated popular badminton player and Saina’s Coach Pullela Gopi Chand for his ward’s success.

On her success of reaching the World No 3 spot, Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda has offered the post of deputy superintendent of police (DSP) to Saina Nehwal.
Taking note of her stupendous hat-trick of badminton titles, even Bollywood stars showered praises on Saina Nehwal. Congratulating Saina, Abhishek Bachchan wrote on his Twitter page: “Saina congratulation!! Way to go girl.” Filmmaker Karan Johar wrote: “Kudos to Saina Nehwal! Not that I follow badminton, but just watching the pride on her parents face was beyond victory! You go girl!”
     
Sreesanth raring to make a comeback

It took India 15 years to beat Sri Lanka on their home ground and lift the Asia Cup last month. They now take on the Islanders in the three-test series that is scheduled to begin on July 18. “Hopefully we would continue in the same manner and God willing we would win the series as well,” Kerala speedster S Sreesanth said. Owing to hamstring injury, the pace man had missed a trip to South Africa recently and is eagerly looking forward to Sri Lanka trip to prove his prowess.    

In an interview, Sreesanth said that the country was ranked number one and had been doing very well. He said that it was a challenge to beat Sri Lanka on their soil and he would surely give his best. “The series is an opportunity for me to improve and move forward. Certainly I have to improve the economy rate in ODIs. The competition level has also increased,” the Kerala cricketer said.

Among the others who attended the camp at the National Cricket Academy, Bangalore, included Rahul Dravid, V V S Laxman and medium pacers R P Singh and Ishant Sharma.