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As we get ready to cheer our Indian athletes for the Tokyo Olympics 2020, let’s look at one superstar who was the first Indian to bring back an Olympic medal for badminton. She is the champion trendsetter and trailblazer, Saina Nehwal. Saina’s career is lined with one achievement after another.
Making her the World Champion and winning a medal at every major Badminton World Federation (BWF) tournament. She has won 24 international titles, including 11 Super Series.
Saina paved the way for all youngsters who dare to dream and have the will to achieve it. She proved that, with focused efforts and a strong support system, the world can be conquered.
Driven by this Jazba to beat all odds, Zee Cinema has, time and again, encouraged such stories by bringing them to its viewers. With the World Television Premiere of Saina. The channel celebrates the fearless spirit of Saina Nehwal on 25th July at 12 noon!
Here are 5 times Saina was the perfect champion for Indian and badminton. This should pump you up to watch the movie and set your self-motivation to full drive.
First Indian Woman to win a gold at Commonwealth Games 2010
At a packed Siri Fort Complex Crowd, Saina played a legendary game at the Badminton Singles event. This gripping game went down in the history of games for India as Nehwal became the first ever Indian woman to win the gold medal for the nation. She then went on to become the first Indian women to win two golds at the Commonwealth Games when she repeated her triumph in 2018.
First Indian Shuttler to win at Olympics 2012
Saina created history in 2012 and marked the name among the all-time greats in sports by becoming the first Indian badminton player to win amedal (bronze) at the Olympics. She spearheaded a tireless and powerful campaign to emerge victorious over World No. 2, at the time, Wang Xin.
Claiming Gold against Chinese home ground at China Open, 2014
Exceptionally talented Chinese badminton players gave a tough fight to our shuttler, Saina Nehwal. Yet she outperformed them, and secured a shining gold medalin China Open 2014. That year turned out to be very fruitful for Nehwal. As she had brought incredible form into the tournament after winning at the Australian Super Series besides clinching the Syed Modi International Grand Prix Gold. These tournaments hold a special place in the history of Indian badminton.
Winning World Championship 2015: Ascension to World No. 1
At the World Championship 2015, a long-awaited win was captured by Nehwal. The win is remarkable as Saina became the first non-Chinese player since Denmark’s Tine Baun in 2010 to win the throne. Following this win, Saina achieved the World No. 1 ranking in badminton.
Nation’s pride – Padma Bhushan, Arjuna Award and Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award
Saina Nehwal became a household name and a source of great inspiration for youngsters who wanted to follow their badminton dreams. Her achievements earned her Arjuna Award in 2009, Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award in 2010. And the coveted Padma Bhushan in 2016.
Saina truly epitomizes the jazba of a champion. Watch the story of a real champion with the World Television Premiere of Saina only on Zee Cinema on the 25th of July, at 12 noon.
