Short Takes

‘I am a simple girl’

Saina Nehwal has won more Super Series singles titles than any other Indian woman badminton player. Taking time off her demanding training schedule, the London Olympics bronze medallist gives us an insight into some aspects of her life.

V. V. Subrahmanyam
13 February, 2018 17:21 IST

A file picture of Saina Nehwal.   -  G. Krishnaswamy

V. V. Subrahmanyam
13 February, 2018 17:21 IST

 

Someone you would go to when you are in doubt...

I will go to my coach for his genuine advice when I have any doubts about my game.

Most memorable performance

In the 2010 Commonwealth Games, where I defeated Wong Me Choo of Malaysia after losing the first game and being down in the second and warding off a game-point.

Favourite moment from your playing days

All my wins that motivated me to win more...

Best friend in the world of sports

Nobody

Prankster in the team from whom you would keep away...

No idea.

Sporting idol

Roger Federer and Sachin Tendulkar.

Badminton idol

Taufik Hidayat

How do you unwind?

By doing extra training.

Biggest off-field accomplishment

Charity for humanity.

One thing that people don’t know about you...

Nothing special.

Favourite movie

Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge

Favourite song

It changes with the passage of time (recent Hindi movie songs only).

Favourite karaoke song

I don’t sing songs.

Favourite destination

Singapore.

Favourite book

No interest (in reading).

Secret crush

I am a simple girl.

If not a badminton player, what would you have been?

I would have been an agriculture scientist after doing a Ph.D.

Funny nicknames you have been given

I was called Steffi for nine years in my childhood.