After winning a bronze medal for India in badminton at London Olympics 2012, which is also the first ever medal won by an Indian player in this sport, Saina Nehwal was in for yet another surprise. Ace cricketing maestro, Sachin Tendulkar handed the star badminton player a glimmering new BMW. Tendulkar was heard quoting that the best of Saina is yet to be witnessed by the world. Vice-President, Andhra Badminton Association, Chamundeswari Nath, organised the felicitation ceremony and bought the car to honour the player. Besides Nehwal, her coach Pulela Gopichand and emerging talent P.V. Sindhu too were gifted a new car each at the ceremony.
Speaking on the occasion, Tendulkar said, “I am sure that she (Saina) is happy but not satisfied. We are also not satisfied because we know that you can go to greater heights. You have that ability with Gopi's guidance. There are better days ahead and as a sports person, you always try to believe that your best is yet to come.”
Tendulkar said that he is quite confident about Saina, who he expects to conquer the world very soon. Adding further, Tendulkar commented that Saina's game has no drama involved, it is just badminton at its best and that is how it should be for every sports person. Saina has taken the achievement in her stride and has not lost her sanity over it, which is a trait displayed by a champion.
Apparently, Saina was able to bag the first ever Olympics medal in badminton for India after her opponent from China walked away from the play off having injured her knee. Tendulkar said the medal is quite significant for the country and there is lot of dedication, hard work, focus and vision behind the achievement. He also congratulated every Indian sports person who bagged a medal at the London Olympics and said that so far the performance of India has been 'terrific' at London.
Quoting that it had been a childhood dream for her to represent India at Olympics, Saina said, “dreamt of being an Olympic champion at the age of 9...It is unbelievable to have won the medal. I am so happy. I should thank Gopi sir for making it possible. He really worked hard with me for many years. Myself winning the first medal will really change a lot of things for badminton in India and I am sure we shall have lot more medals in future. I hope badminton becomes one of the most popular games, though may not be like cricket, in our country.”
