SainaNehwal

Indian Badminton’s Next Generation Emerges, Aiming to Fill Saina-Sindhu Void

By Nilay September 27, 2024 0

Indian badminton has long been dominated by the legendary Saina Nehwal and PV Sindhu. However, a new generation of shuttlers is emerging, promising to fill the void left by these icons.

In recent years, five Indian women have broken into the world’s top 50: Malvika Bansod (No. 36), Aakarshi Kashyap (No. 41), Anupama Upadhyaya (No. 47), Unnati Hooda (No. 50), and of course, PV Sindhu (No. 14). Additionally, seven more Indians rank between 51 and 100.

While talented, this next generation still lacks the experience and consistency of Saina and Sindhu. However, with proper guidance and training, they have the potential to reach the top.

“Every country goes through a bit of a gap,” said Sindhu’s coach, Anup Sridhar. “We have a lot of promising talent, but to expect everyone to be at the same level as Sindhu and Saina would be a bit hard.”

Malvika Bansod has shown great promise, recently reaching the quarter-finals of the China Open, a Super 1000 event. Aakarshi Kashyap is another rising star, known for her aggressive style of play.

Among the juniors, Anupama Upadhyaya, Unnati Hooda, Anmol Kharb, Tanvi Sharma, and Tanvi Patri are all making waves. Anmol, in particular, has impressed with her performances in the Asia Team Championships and the Nationals.

The Badminton Association of India (BAI) is committed to supporting this new generation. They have increased the number of BWF events in India, providing more opportunities for players to compete and improve their rankings.

“Our main job is to take this batch to the next level,” said BAI Secretary General Sanjay Mishra. “If we have 10 talented players, then we should be able to take at least 7-8 to the next level.”

With the right guidance and support, India’s next generation of badminton stars could soon be challenging for Olympic medals.

Categories: Badminton

Saina Nehwal Defends Olympic Medal Comments Amid Criticism

“Pehle Olympics ke liye qualify toh karke dikhao!” says Saina Nehwal

By chevaliersports September 10, 2024 0

In a passionate and fierce response to her critics, Indian badminton star Saina Nehwal has taken to social media to defend her hard-earned Olympic bronze medal from the London 2012 Games. Recently, comments circulated online questioning the credibility of her achievement, suggesting that her medal was a “gift” rather than the result of her skill and perseverance. Saina’s reply not only tackled the criticism head-on but also inspired conversations about the dedication and sacrifices athletes make to reach the pinnacle of their sport.

Saina’s retort was both direct and poignant. “Olympic level ke layak toh bano aap. Pehle Olympics ke liye qualify toh karke dikhao,” she proclaimed, challenging her detractors to first qualify for the Olympics themselves before questioning her success. Her words resonate not just as a defense of her accomplishments but also as an invitation to understand the journey that elite athletes undertake. This statement encapsulates the frustration felt by many athletes who endure years of rigorous training, sacrifices, and fierce competition to represent their country on the world stage.

In the backdrop of the recently concluded Paris Olympics, Saina’s comments reflect the ongoing discourse about accountability and respect within sports. She emphasized that the process of qualifying for the Olympics is no small feat, requiring immense dedication, resilience, and sometimes overcoming significant obstacles.

As the first Indian shuttler to win an Olympic medal, Saina Nehwal’s journey has been nothing short of inspirational. Her bronze at the 2012 London Games marked a historic moment for Indian badminton, elevating the sport’s profile in the country and paving the way for future generations of players. Saina’s impact is not just in her victories but also in the barriers she broke, showcasing that athletes from India can shine on the global stage.

Her husband and fellow badminton player, Parupalli Kashyap, supported her stance, revealing that Saina’s remarks during the recent Olympics triggered these unwarranted critiques. He echoed her frustration, reinforcing the idea that achievements should be recognized rather than undermined.

As Saina Nehwal continues her journey in badminton, her response to the criticism she faced unveils a crucial chapter in her story. It highlights not just her individual resolve but also a collective call for respect for all athletes who aspire to compete at the highest levels.

Categories: Badminton, Sport, Trending News

Saina Nehwal Defends Olympic Medal Comments Amid Criticism

By Nilay September 9, 2024 0

Saina Nehwal’s historic bronze medal at the 2012 London Olympics marked a watershed moment for Indian badminton. As the first Indian to achieve an Olympic medal in the sport, her triumph paved the way for India’s current dominance on the international stage.

Recently, Saina’s comments on the 2024 Paris Olympics sparked controversy. She criticized wrestler Vinesh Phogat for missing her weight cut and being disqualified from her gold medal match. However, Saina and her husband, Parupalli Kashyap, have defended her remarks.

“During the Paris Olympics, she expressed her opinion, and in the comments (on social media), I saw people saying that she got gifted the bronze medal,” Kashyap said. “Try and get yourself up to the level of the Olympics,” Saina retorted.

Saina’s bronze medal came after her opponent, Wang Xin, retired with an injury during the second game. “She was not the kind of player who showed any pain or emotions on court,” Saina recalled. “But I could see it in her face that something was wrong.”

“I heard a light sound from her end and she just sat down,” Saina continued. “I didn’t realize that something had happened to her. The next two-three points she was struggling to walk. And then suddenly she held out her hand and I wondered what was happening here.”

India won six medals at the Paris Olympics, one less than in Tokyo 2020. However, the badminton contingent disappointed with no medals for the first time since Beijing 2008. Despite strong contenders like PV Sindhu, HS Prannoy, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy, Chirag Shetty, and Lakshya Sen, India failed to secure a podium finish.

Categories: Badminton

Saina Nehwal’s Arthritis Battle Raises Questions About Badminton Future

By Nilay September 3, 2024 0

Saina Nehwal, India’s badminton icon and former Olympic bronze medalist, has revealed her battle with arthritis, casting doubt on her future in the sport. The 34-year-old, who made history as the first Indian shuttler to win an Olympic medal, is facing the reality that her illustrious career may be nearing its end.

Nehwal’s knee injury, aggravated by arthritis, has severely limited her training hours. “The knee is not very good. I have arthritis. My cartilage has gone to a bad state. It is very difficult to push for eight-nine hours,” she said.

The realization that her body is no longer capable of the rigorous training required to compete at the highest level has forced Nehwal to confront the possibility of retirement. “I think I will have to accept it somewhere. Because two hours of training is not good enough to play with the highest level of players and get the desired results,” she admitted.

Nehwal’s decision will be influenced by the impact retirement will have on her life. “I am also thinking about it (retirement). It will be sad because it is like a job that a normal person does. Obviously, a sportsperson’s career is always a short one,” she said.

Despite the challenges, Nehwal remains proud of her accomplishments. “I have also had a long career and I am very proud of that. I have broken my body to a great extent. I am happy with what I have done and given it all,” she said.

The Padma Shri awardee expressed her disappointment at missing the Olympics for two consecutive editions. “Competing at the Olympics is a childhood dream for all. You prepare to reach that level for years. Hence, at times, when you realize you will not be able to make it, it hurts a lot,” she said.

Nehwal also spoke about the pressure of expectations that comes with being a top athlete. “When you become a big player, your friends, family, coaches, sponsors, everyone wants you to perform. There are a lot of stakeholders involved,” she said.

As she contemplates her future, Nehwal remains grateful for the support she has received throughout her career. “I have done a lot of hard work. I competed in three Olympics. I gave my 100 per cent in all of them. I can take pride in that and be happy about it,” she said.

Categories: Badminton

Saina Nehwal Battles Arthritis, Faces Uncertain Badminton Future

By Nilay September 2, 2024 0

Nehwal’s knee condition has deteriorated to the point where she can no longer train for the extended hours required to compete at the highest level. “The knee is not very good. I have arthritis. My cartilage has gone to a bad state. It is very difficult to push for eight-nine hours,” she said.

The realization that her career is nearing its end has been a difficult one for Nehwal. “I think I will have to accept it somewhere. Because two hours of training is not good enough to play with the highest level of players and get the desired results,” she admitted.

Nehwal is considering retirement but is still weighing the impact it will have on her life. “I am also thinking about it (retirement). It will be sad because it is like a job that a normal person does. Obviously, a sportsperson’s career is always a short one,” she said.

Despite the challenges, Nehwal looks back on her career with pride. She competed in three Olympic Games and gave her all in each one. “I have done a lot of hard work. I competed in three Olympics. I gave my 100 per cent in all of them. I can take pride in that and be happy about it,” she said.

As Nehwal contemplates her future, she knows that she will have to make a decision by the end of the year. Her legacy as one of India’s greatest badminton players is secure, but the question remains whether she will continue to push her body or step away from the sport that has defined her life.

Categories: Badminton

Saina Nehwal’s Confession Sparks Debate on Athletes’ Knowledge of Other Sports

By Nilay August 13, 2024 0

Ace badminton player Saina Nehwal’s recent confession that she was unaware of javelin as an Olympic sport until Neeraj Chopra’s gold medal victory in 2021 has sparked a debate about the limited knowledge of athletes outside their own disciplines.

Nehwal’s admission, made during an interview with journalist Shubhankar Mishra, highlights the intense focus and dedication required in professional sports, which often leaves little time for exploring other disciplines. “When Neeraj won, that is when I got to know about athletics has got this game too,” she said. “You’ll gain knowledge only when you see it, right? If you don’t see, how will you know?”

Nehwal’s comments resonated with many athletes who acknowledged the challenges of staying abreast of other sports while pursuing their own. “It’s not that you don’t want to know, but you’re so busy in your own field, how much time do you get deep into something else?” she explained. “If not you’ll have to Google everything non-stop. If you’re perfect in your own field, that’s more than enough.”

However, Nehwal’s remarks also drew criticism from some who questioned her lack of awareness about a major Olympic event. “Very surprising that a sportsperson of Saina Nehwal’s calibre should feign ignorance about javelin event,” said one user on social media.

Despite the controversy, Nehwal’s comments underscore the importance of specialization in elite sports. Athletes must dedicate countless hours to training, competition, and recovery, leaving little time for pursuing other interests. As a result, it is not uncommon for athletes to have limited knowledge of sports outside their own.

Nehwal’s experience also highlights the need for greater cross-promotion and awareness of different sports. By showcasing the achievements of athletes in various disciplines, sports organizations and media outlets can help broaden the knowledge of fans and athletes alike.

Categories: Badminton

Saina Nehwal Hits Back at Angkrish Raghuvanshi’s Cricket Dig

By Nilay August 11, 2024 0

A month ago, Kolkata Knight Riders’ rising star Angkrish Raghuvanshi sparked controversy with a tweet mocking badminton ace Saina Nehwal’s comments on cricket’s perceived lack of risk. Nehwal, in a recent interview, had called for more support and facilities for non-cricket sports, citing the sport’s popularity despite its lower level of challenge compared to badminton, basketball, and tennis.

Raghuvanshi’s tweet, which he later deleted, read: “Let’s see how she goes when Bumrah bowls 150k’s bumpers at her head.” The tweet drew widespread criticism, prompting Raghuvanshi to remove it.

In a recent podcast interview, Nehwal responded to Raghuvanshi’s tweet, stating that she would not be able to face Bumrah’s bowling without proper training, just as Bumrah would not be able to handle her 300kmph smash in badminton.

“Why would I face Jasprit Bumrah anyways? If I had been playing for 8 years maybe I would have answered Jasprit Bumrah,” Nehwal said. “If Jasprit Bumrah plays badminton with me maybe he won’t be able to take my smash.”

Nehwal emphasized the need for equal support and facilities for all sports, arguing that it would lead to greater success at the global level. “How many badminton academies do we have? (And then) think about how many in cricket…If that many academies are there (for badminton), best facilities, why won’t we get quality players,” she said.

Nehwal’s comments have sparked a debate about the importance of supporting non-cricket sports in India. While cricket remains the most popular sport in the country, many argue that other sports deserve equal attention and resources to foster a more diverse and successful sporting culture.

Categories: Badminton

KKR’s Raghuvanshi Mocks Nehwal, Igniting Sports Inequality Debate

By Nilay August 10, 2024 0

KKR’s Angkrish Raghuvanshi Mocks Saina Nehwal, Sparking Debate on Sports Inequality

Kolkata Knight Riders batter Angkrish Raghuvanshi has ignited a heated debate on sports inequality in India after mocking badminton star Saina Nehwal on social media. The controversy erupted after Nehwal claimed that sports like badminton, tennis, and basketball require greater physical exertion than cricket, while criticizing fans for prioritizing cricket over other sports.

In a now-deleted post on social media, Raghuvanshi took a jab at Nehwal, writing, “Let’s see how she goes when Bumrah bowls 150k’s bumper at her head.” Nehwal responded indirectly, asserting that star pacer Jasprit Bumrah would struggle to handle her smash.

“How will you become Virat at that level? How will you become Rohit Sharma? So many players have to become like them. They can’t. Only a few of them are like that. But I just feel that it’s more of a skill-based sport. And bowlers, I agree. I won’t die there. Why would I face Jasprit Bumrah anyways? If I had been playing for 8 years maybe I would have answered Jasprit Bumrah,” Nehwal said on Shubhankar Mishra’s podcast.

“If Jasprit Bumrah plays badminton with me maybe he won’t be able to take my smash. We should not fight with ourselves in our own country for these things. That’s what I want to say. Every sport is best in its place. But I want to say give value to other sports as well. Otherwise, where will we get sporting culture from? And cricket, Bollywood will always be our focus,” added the 2012 London Olympics bronze medalist.

Nehwal also highlighted the disparity in facilities and support between cricket and other sports in India, contributing to the country’s struggles to win medals at the Olympics.

Raghuvanshi, who made his IPL debut in 2024 and had a successful season with KKR, has since apologized for his comments. However, the incident has sparked a wider discussion about the need for greater recognition and support for non-cricket sports in India.

Categories: Badminton

Indian Badminton’s Next Generation Emerges, Aiming to Fill Saina-Sindhu Void

Saina Nehwal Defends Olympic Medal Comments Amid Criticism

Saina Nehwal’s Arthritis Battle Raises Questions About Badminton Future

Saina Nehwal Battles Arthritis, Faces Uncertain Badminton Future

Saina Nehwal’s Confession Sparks Debate on Athletes’ Knowledge of Other Sports

Saina Nehwal Hits Back at Angkrish Raghuvanshi’s Cricket Dig

KKR’s Raghuvanshi Mocks Nehwal, Igniting Sports Inequality Debate

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