October 2008: Not many people recognised Saina Nehwal as she made her way to the badminton court during the Youth Commonwealth Games in Pune.
October 2008: Not many people recognised Saina Nehwal as she made her way to the badminton court during the Youth Commonwealth Games in Pune and were busy asking for autographs of foreign athletes.
June 2009: It was a completely different story when she returned home after winning the Indonesian Super Series title with people crowding the Hyderabad airport to get a glimpse of her.
“I was stunned to see so many people chanting my name at the airport. I was overwhelmed,” says Saina. “The reception was long overdue. I could have received such a reception on previous occasions as well. But I’m happy that my efforts are being recognised.”
‘Brand Saina’ is growing day-by-day. Her rising popularity was evident at the Bombay Gymkhana on Saturday where she was felicitated by Badminton 45. Chief guest Rajashree Birla presented the 19-year-old a cheque of Rs. 2.5 lakh.
It looked like she was still getting used to the fanfare. Everyone wanted a picture with her. Children hounded her for autographs.
Things have changed back home in Hyderabad too. “I don’t have time to go out in Hyderabad as most of the time is spent in training. But whenever I do go out, more people have started recognising me. It feels good,” the world No.6 says, and adds with a wink, “Not many confuse me for Sania as earlier.”
With fame comes pressure of performing consistently. But Saina is confident of not letting the pressure get to her. “If I take the burden with me to the court I will never be able to perform. My job is to practice hard and give 100 percent and results will show.”
Her coach Pullela Gopichand is also confident that his ward won’t let popularity get to her head. “It’s a dream of every sportsperson to be popular. Some thrive on it while some lose their way. Saina has handled herself very well juggling between promotional events and training. She never compromises on training,” says the former All England champion.
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