For Saina Nehwal, the shuttler who soared from humble beginnings to World No. 1, that bronze medal at the London 2012 Olympics was far more than a personal triumph. It was India's first-ever Olympic medal in badminton, and as she recalls, it "changed everything." The champion, in Kolkata for a marathon event, opened up about her legendary journey, the relentless drive behind her 24 international titles, and the legacy she hopes to leave for India's next sporting generation.
The London 2012 Pivot: A New Era for Indian Badminton
Saina Nehwal firmly believes her podium finish at the London 2012 Olympic Games acted as a catalyst for the sport in the country. "It made way for a new era with medals at major tournaments, Olympic podium finishes, and success at world championships," she stated. The memory of becoming world rank two and then ascending to the number one spot still feels surreal to her. Fulfilling her mother's wish to make the nation proud remains a core motivation, but her greatest joy now is seeing young girls dream of becoming champions themselves.
The Relentless Grind: Training, Mindset, and Unwavering Discipline
When asked about her daily regimen, Saina's philosophy is clear: champions are made through unwavering discipline. "That almost never happens," she says about taking unscheduled breaks. Emulating icons like Michael Phelps and Cristiano Ronaldo, she believes rising above the rest requires pushing beyond conventional limits. Her training has evolved to place equal emphasis on physical and mental fortitude.
Better training builds confidence and strengthens mental performance. Players who maintain stamina, speed, and alertness till the final point are the ones who win," Saina explained. She highlighted the crucial integration of mental trainers into an athlete's support system to manage the inevitable self-doubt and pressure.
Her approach to setbacks is rooted in action. After a painful loss, her method is to "wake up early, return to training, learn from mistakes, and show up again." She credits physical fitness and adhering to her coach's advice for mental sharpness, with inner motivation being her ultimate mantra for resilience.
Reflections and Advice: A Letter to Her Younger Self and Parents
If she could guide her younger self, Saina's advice would focus on support systems rather than a specific drill. She wishes she had access to good trainers and physiotherapists much earlier, perhaps as young as nine. "I got my first physio and trainer at 19, after already playing the Olympics, winning the World Juniors," she noted, believing an earlier start could have altered her career timeline.
Her most potent message, however, is directed at parents. "More than speaking to young girls, I want to speak to parents. Be firm with your children. You don't always have to be their friend," Saina urged. She emphasized that real change requires parents to instill discipline and resilience, allowing children to struggle and nurture their hunger for achievement from childhood.
Facing Legends and Favourite Things
Saina credits formidable rivals like Tai Tzu Ying and Wang Yihan for forging her into a better player. Their calm, composed gameplay with an extraordinary range of strokes pushed her to elevate every aspect of her own strategy and skill.
In a rapid-fire round, the champion shared her simple preferences: tea over coffee, sunrise practice sessions, a fondness for Kolkata's iconic Howrah Bridge, and a love for the city's famous Phuchka. The one word she hopes fans use to describe her? Hardworking.
From sleeping with her Olympic medal for months to visualizing matches in silence without a pump-up playlist, Saina Nehwal's story is a masterclass in dedication. As she proudly watches badminton become one of India's most loved sports, her historic bronze continues to light the path for countless future champions.
