Saturday, July 11, 2009

Saina Nehwal - A true sportstar


Saina Nehwal is one of the best sporting talents that India has produced. At the age of just 19, Saina has achieved great things in her chosen sport and has truly arrived at the Big league in international badminton. Saina is not another superficial creation of the media. Indian media is famous for over-hyping and haloing any sportsperson who is worthy of 2 minutes of prime time television. Take for example, Sania Mirza. Sania is undoubtedly the best ever female tennis player from India. But when it comes to the world stage, she is at best an average performer who seldom indulges in giant killing. But our media would make us believe that on her good day Sania can beat even Venus Williams. Well, she definitely can’t – unless Williams is playing left handed and is not wearing shoes.

Things are quite the opposite when it comes to Sania’s namesake – Saina. Few people in India would’ve heard this girl’s name. Maybe she is not sexy enough for prime time television and newspaper front pages. But she is certainly the brightest star in Indian sport (non cricket) at the moment. Away from the media glare, Saina’s career has shown a steady rise ever since she won the national badminton championship 2 years back. Saina has regularly beaten the top 10 players and has been consistent in the big tournaments. Her current world ranking of No. 7 would underline that this girl is truly a world class achiever.

One wishes that this real achiever gets the attention and recognition that she deseves. Saina, in all likelihood, will continue to bring great laurels to India and make us all very proud in the years to come.