India's Olympic Hope

A Padma Shri and a Khel Ratna Award to her name before she can legally pop the champagne. The first Indian to win the World Junior Badminton Championships, the first Indian to win a Super Series tournament and India's Olympic hope, Saina Nehwal has done our country proud. In this exclusive chat with Nandini Krishnan, the World No. 2 speaks about her career, dreams and extraordinary life.

First of all, congratulations on winning the Khel Ratna. Did you expect it? This year, there were quite a few contenders for the honour.

Yes, I expected the award, after my win in Indonesia last year, as it is equal to a world competition. Then I won the India Grand Prix in December, and later I reached the final of the All England Super Series in January 2010. I also qualified India for a place in the Sudirman Cup for the first time in the history of badminton in 2010. Also, my world ranking was No.5, so I had achieved more records than anyone in India that year. My three wins in 2010, I will keep for other recognitions!

What are your sentiments when you hear the national anthem play after you win a tournament?

It is very inspiring. I feel a certain vibration when it begins. I feel proud.

Image: Saina Nehwal poses with her medals at a press conference in Hyderabad on June 29, 2010, having rounded a hat-trick of Super Series titles by successfully defending her Indonesia Open Super Series trophy in Jakarta on June 27. (Photo Copyright: AFP. Unauthorised reproduction is prohibited.)