Eleven-year-old Krishaeli Mehta is a bright student, who tops her class exams. But she wants to be like Saina when she grows up.
Badminton star Saina Nehwal has changed the face of badminton in India by showing amazing results at the international level. Now every young badminton player aspires to be like her and follow in her footsteps.
Eleven-year-old Krishaeli Mehta is a bright student, who tops her class exams. But she wants to be like Saina when she grows up. The class seven student of Balmohan Vidyamandir, Dadar bagged her first girls U-12 MSSA Inter-School Badminton title beating Divya Vaidya of Bombay Scottish, Mahim 10-21 21-16 21-11 in the finals held at the Indian Gymkhana, Matunga on Wednesday.
“I want to be where Saina is today,” she said. “I know it’s a tough road ahead but I will work hard to be where she is now.” Talking about her final match, the youngster said the win could have been sweeter had she won in straight games. “I lost the first game, which was really disappointing. I didn’t want to win this way. I could have played better than this. But its ok,” said Krishaeli.
Her mother, skin specialist, is a proud of her daughter’s achievement. “She is a dedicated player. Whether you take studies or badminton, Krishaeli always gives her 100 per cent. She is a topper in class and can play for India too if she works hard. She is not like other kids but is more in to herself — reading, studying and playing badminton,” says Dr Manisha Mehta.
Manisha who is keenly following her daughter’s badminton career feels Saina has given inspiration to her daughter and many others. “She wants to be like Saina. Saina has certainly boosted everybody’s confidence,” she said.
Krishaeli’s coach Jitesh Padukone, who runs the Padukone Shuttler’s Academy in MIG Cricket Club and North Indian Association, noticed Krishaeli’s talent in one of the practice sessions. “Krishaeli used to play badminton for fitness but I noticed the spark in her. She is a fighter who never says die. That is what I like about her. I think if she works she can play at the highest level,” said Jitesh.
Jitesh credits Saina’s success as one of the reasons for the increasing craze of badminton in the city. “Not only girls but boys too are coming to take up the sport. I hope Saina continues to achieve more success as that will help the badminton fraternity,” he said.
MSSA badminton secretary SM Pol agreed with Jitesh. “There has been change in the way the sport is being perceived now. Youngsters are more passionate about badminton,” Pol stated.
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