Lavishing praise on the unique concept of the inaugural IBL, world no. 4 Saina Nehwal on Tuesday said India’s hopes of winning medals at the Olympics were not far-fetched, if the shuttlers continued to perform consistently.
“The growth of Indian badminton depends on how we perform. Not only performance, but a consistent show. During the time when Gopi Sir won the All England title, there were not many players to follow his feats.
“Now, we have numbers and currently all of us are doing well. If we continue performing like this, the day is not far that India, like China, can win 5 to 6 medals in the Olympics,” said Saina here.
Rising shuttler P.V. Sindhu’s historic bronze medal at the World Championships was on Wednesday rewarded as she was recommended for the Arjuna award.
Said Saina, “I have been always saying that we all have the capability of doing it.
“The belief is important and I think now the youngsters are showing it. Sindhu and Kashyap have already done that and now there are Gurusaidutt, who is doing well, besides Ajay Jayaram and K. Srikanth,” she added.
Saina vs Sindhu
Much to the delight of the fans, Saina is likely to clash with Sindhu on Thursday, when their respective teams Hyderabad Hotshots and Awadhe Warriors meet here.
“We play each other at the academy every day though we haven’t met in any tournaments. I think everyone is looking forward to the match and it’s a good thing,” said Saina.
Added Sindhu, “I am looking forward to giving my best in the IBL. This format is very exciting and different.”