Saina Nehawal made us proud to become india's first olympic medalist in badminton. Recently she had been the player of the tourney in IBL. It is relevent to share my experience with her carreer.
It was in the year 2002, mid june probably... I had the first opportunity to meet her. I was working as a news contributer to Eenadu telugu daily at Nandyal, kurnool dist, A.P. All India subjunior Badminton championship was being held at Nandi Pipes indoor stadium, Nandyal. Since it was All india level tourney much attention was given by the local people and sport lovers. I was assighned to give coverage on this event.
Saina nehawal was not known much by the public during that time. Every attention was on Gutta Jwala who came to play some exibition matches in senior level. She participated in the event just to give some light to the tourney. Infact by that time Saina nahwal, sharada Govardhini and few others were top rankers. Sharada Govardhini became a crowd puller with her game and her special roaring sounds. It was Saina who always kept silent on and off the courts. It was indoor stadium and was very sultry to sit inside. As one match finished off I was sitting in the Lawn and relaxing. Just infront of me an old man was sitting and staring at me. We started chatting about the tourney.. meanwhile a 13 year old girl came in sports shorts and simply standing and hearing our conversation enthusiastically. He introduced himself as Mr Nehawal and young girl was his daughter Saina. I developed lot of interest about the previous achivements of Saina. Then I interviwed both father and daughter. The article published in Eenadu. The following day at the stadium Saina rushed to me and thanked with all smiles. Thogh her father and Saina dint understand Telugu...she got it translated. After the article got published crowd's interest grown on Saina also. Saina was the eventual winner of the tourney. That was the first encounter with her.
Later in Hyd at Gopichand Academy... I had another interview with her by that time she became very popular in India. The third and last time was in Shamshabad Airport in the year 2008. She just came from Beizing Olympics losing in Semi finals. She was accompanied by her Coach Pullela Gopichand. Both of them recognised me and i had some happy movements with them. I discussed much about olympics and her semifinal match. I said my daughter wept at her loss in the match. Saina expresseed so much concern but did not speak much. Her face showed me enough confidence... that she would do it next time and she would see joy in my daughter. We travelled to Delhi in the same flight and in economy seats...
I wished to interview her as an olympic Gold medallist. But she made it to semis in 2012 olympics and made us proud so as my daughter.
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