There is 95% chance Satwik-Chirag will win gold: Saina Nehwal

Saina Nehwal inaugurated the Badminton Pros Academy in Mumbai.

Saina Nehwal spoke candidly about the chances of the Indian badminton contingent at the Paris Olympics 2024, apart from sharing a few tips to succeed at the highest level, to a keen audience who had assembled for the inauguration of the Badminton Pros Academy in Byculla, Mumbai on Friday, July 5.

The state-of-the-art academy is located in Monte South, a 12.5-acre luxury residential project by Marathon Realty and Adani Realty.

Already operating in cities like Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Pune, it was founded by two retired international badminton players: Olympian Anup Sridhar and Thomas Cupper Vijay Lancy. Lancy too was present for the inauguration.

The pay-to-play facility provides expert training to players of all skill levels: beginner, intermediate and advanced. The academy has an extraordinary set of co-founders.

The courses have been designed by Nehwal, and her husband Commonwealth Games gold medallist Parupalli Kashyap, alongside experienced coaches leading the way. The academy comprises of two courts and will be managed by leading sports operator Hotfut Sports.

Saina, the first Indian shuttler to win an Olympic medal, said that a lot of youngsters want to play badminton and achieve at the highest level. Nehwal said “We have multiple centres, where really good coaching is provided. More of such academies should open in order for us to challenge a sport like cricket. Our sport is much loved in India.

“While a lot of badminton is played here, the youngsters need to put in some more effort. With the help of such academies, youngsters will understand what badminton exactly is. Badminton is not a gully sport. You need to have the best facilities to raise your game to the highest level.

When I started playing, I used to play on cement courts. Of course, it used to hurt my knees and ankles. But with the best of surfaces available now, you should utilize it well.”

The London Olympics 2012 bronze medallist spoke on the pride and prestige of standing on the podium. “It is very difficult to become a sportsperson. You need to be really disciplined because you want to become among the best in the world.

“Watching and playing sports are two very different things. Everyone wants to serve the country and do well. When you stand on the podium, you earn a lot of respect. People pray for you to do well.

“I would like to tell the parents that sport is the best field. My father is a scientist, I have seen many doctors and engineers, but no one earns the same fame which sportspersons do. We celebrate the likes of Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic and Serena Williams. I would request all kids to play some sport.

“Push hard and try your best till you are 10 or 11. If it doesn’t work out, other options are always open. I am here to help you. Experienced coaches are there to help you. With the kind of facilities that are coming up in Mumbai, I am sure a lot of World and Olympic Champions are there in the making.”

When asked if she believes in rituals, she said that she believes that a force does exist, which protects us. But one must work hard. “I personally get mental peace while going to temples.

“I like going to places such as Amarnath and Kedarnath. But you must also work hard. If your opponent trains for 8-9 hours, you must train for 10 hours.

“Your work ethics need to be extremely good and you need to be perfect in order to compete at the highest level. You will need to make a lot of sacrifices. You should not cheat yourself. Remember, the Olympic Games come once in four years. There is no re-take.

“When you are going for a tournament, think as if you are just going for practice on your home court. Even if you are at 18 or 19 points, just think as if you are playing a long match: don’t think about that 1 point. You might lose a few matches, but that’s how you develop patience.”

The former World Number #1 also commented on the Indian badminton contingent, which will make its way to Paris. “I unfortunately won’t be taking part because I have arthritis. But we have a strong contingent. The duo of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty has a 95% chance of winning gold.

“Apart from them, we have Lakshya, Prannoy, Sindhu and the women’s doubles pairing of Ashwini Ponnappa and Tanisha Crasto. I am sure all of them would have prepared hard but remember the rest of the world too will be prepared. The level of competition will be high, so let’s hope for the best. I wish them all good luck.”

She also discussed Sindhu’s chances to become the first Indian to win three individual Olympic medals. “Definitely, it’s possible. Lee Chong Wei has won three back-to-back silvers. It will depend on the draws too.

“You can win four Olympic medals too, but it depends on how you take care of your body. If she has prepared well, then she surely has chances of winning a third medal.”

Saina played a few rallies on the newly inaugurated courts with the students present there. She also obliged for photographs and autographs with her numerous fans.

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