July 15: With progress that is travelling swifter than a shuttle, badminton ace Saina Nehwal added another jewel to her crown by becoming World No.2 on Thursday. Celebrations just do not seem to stop for Saina who completed a hat-trick in winning the Indian Open, the Singapore Open and the Indonesian Open and moved up to No. 3 in the rankings. The icing on the cake is her climb to the second spot in the rankings now.
“Reaching World No. 2 is indeed remarkable and I am very happy,” said an elated Saina soon after her father Dr Harvir Singh broke the news to her. “However, I am a little nervous too as it comes with a huge responsibility and pressure,” added the 20-year-old. “I did not expect it to come so soon. I want to become the world champion before I become No.1,” she said.
About her fitness and any niggling injuries she may be carrying, Saina said, “Touch wood. I am in the pink of health. I will soon get back to strict practice sessions as the World Championships are just a little over a month away.” Challenging as it will be, Saina believes the world championship is now her focus.
“I am going to prepare for it like I have done for the other tournaments, in fact even harder,” added Saina, who now has 64,791.2637 points. Viewing the international challenge with a different perspective after climbing to No. 2, she said, “There is not much difference at the international level since I have played all the top players. It depends on how the player plays on that particular day.”