A rousing reception got Hyderabad shuttler Saina Nehwal emotional as she arrived at the Rajiv Gandhi International airport here on Tuesday. Saina, who returned to the city with three consecutive titles under her lebt — the Indian Open Grand Prix, the Singapore Open Super Series and the Indonesia Open Super Series — was eager to get home before she addressed the media at the Pullela Gopichand Academy.
“There are a lot of people I wish to thank for my achievements. Gopichand (sir) has always supported me and is unquestionably behind my success. It is still hard to believe that I am world No. 3 now,” said Saina.
“In such a short span, he made me a top player,” said the 20-year-old of her coach, adding, “I would like to thank Deccan Chronicle for their support since August. It’s almost a year and I am really greatful to them for recognising my talent. I am really lucky and blessed.” Excerpts:
On her ranking: I am very happy to reach the top 3 but it’s time I start working harder and win more tournaments rather than concentrate on ranking. Being World no. 3 does not give me the luxury to skip practice or stop training. In fact, I will be training more rigourously now.
On the hat-trick: This feat is special because I don’t know when I will again win three titles in a row in three weeks. The last year was special because it was my first Super Series win.
On upcoming events: Now, I’ll concentrate on the World Championships, the Commonwealth Games and Asian Games. All I know is that I will have to give 100 per cent from my side. I will have a close look on the weaknesses of other top players who I have played before.