Saina won't mind joining public life
TNN | Nov 9, 2012, 03.57AM IST*
HYDERABAD: Saina Nehwal may seriously consider the option of joining politics and public life after her badminton career is over. This was revealed by the badminton champion herself - in response to a pointed question - at the launch of her autobiography in the city on Wednesday.
"Right now, my full time vocation is to play badminton", Saina, said not making bones that she is aiming for the gold medal in the 2016 Olympics. The Hyderabad girl secured the bronze medal at the recently concluded London Olympics.
The book was jointly released by ace shooter Gagan Narang and the Resident Editor of The Times Of India Kingshuk Nag. "I think talent is not enough and hard work is very important. I would say 40% talent and 60% hard work goes towards the making of a champion and yes, of course, discipline is an imperative," Saina said.
"If I have to pinpoint one single factor that has gone towards my success, it is the fact that I play to win. Winning gives me the inspiration to carry on day after day, week after week, month after month," Saina said in response to a question. In terms of special people who had made her what she is, Saina said that her mother and her coach Pullela Gopichand would surely be counted in that category.
Crediting her mother for being the source of inspiration, Saina said: "My mom, was the one who pushed me into badminton. I remember once asking her what the difference was between me and the world No.1 player, and she didn't laugh at the question or think I was setting goals too high. Instead, she looked me in the eye and told me exactly how the best player in the world was better than me. It made me feel that I could dream big, and I did begin to do so. I knew I had a lot of work ahead to get to the top, the road was opening in front of me and I stepped on it with some confidence, thanks to Mummy."
On her coach she said: "I find Gopi sir a lot cooler than several other coaches. He encourages me by saying you are doing a lot for India and you are our gold." Saina added: "Whatever the coaches ask me to do, I do perfectly." Narang, who also won a bronze at the London Olympics, chipped in saying that sportspersons have the right credentials to join public life and politics.
"A lot of people look up to us for inspiration. Sportspersons unite the country with their achievements. I am sure we can do a good job in politics," Gagan said.
On her journey towards 2016 Rio Olympics, Saina said it was important to stay injury-free. "I am happy that I started my journey by winning the Denmark Open where I beat the world No.1. Though it is too early, I want to stay focused till then," said Saina, who is the first Indian shuttler to win a Commonwealth Games gold.
When Narang enquired on what she wanted to change in the country, Saina said, "I want all the sports to be as popular as cricket. I want the sponsors to support not only stars but all the players from all disciplines."
Asked what was the first thing she did after winning the bronze at London, Saina said "I had an ice cream. I eat ice cream whenever I win a tournament. In fact, that is the only occasion I get to eat ice cream. And to eat ice creams I want to win many more tournaments," said the winner of 18 international titles.
On how Yoganidhra formed a crucial part of her career, she said, "I do a lot of it every day. It helps one to stay focused and relieves from all kinds of pressures." Saina agreed that at 22, she did not live the life that a girl of her age lived. "But badminton is my life and even the friends that I have are made in the badminton academy where I spend most of the time when I am not travelling for matches," she said.
