‘Saina Nehwal has good chance of Olympic medal’

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Over the last two years, Indian badminton has made an impression on the international arena. Indian teams have done well at the Thomas and Uber Cup and ace shuttler Saina Nehwal has consistently figured in the top four in the world.

But this year, it’s all about the London Olympics, with India looking to bag a few Olympic berths. While Saina is the only player to have made sure of a place in the quadrennial event, Ajay Jayaram and P. Kashyap are vying for the lone spot in the men’s section.

The women’s doubles pair of Jwala Gutta and Ashiwni Ponnappa (world no. 18) and V. Diju and Jwala (13) in the mixed doubles are also in line to make the cut.

After a standout performance in 2010, Saina slipped somewhat the last year but managed to stay in the top-5. The 21-year-old will spearhead the Indian challenge in London and national coach Pullela Gopichand believes Saina is capable of winning a medal at the Olympics.

“The Super Series format is closest to the Olympics. She has done reasonably well in the Super Series and entered the semis at the Malaysian Open. She has a good chance of winning a medal (at the Olympics),” he said.

The former All-England champion, however, said the run-up to the Olympics would be very crucial for Saina.

On the younger lot, Gopichand picked out P.V. Sindhu as the most exciting prospect.

“Sindhu looks the most promising among the youngsters. She is very strong and has the game that is required to excel at the international level,” he said.

“Some of the best results for India have come in the last two years. A lot of new countries like Chinese Taipei, Japan and Germany have been pumping in money into badminton and so all around the world there is a change,” Gopi said.