Happy Birthday Saina Nehwal: A look at the brilliant Badminton Champion’s journey

Saina Nehwal, the incredible badminton star has always made India proud with her phenomenal achievements. The only Indian sportswoman to procure world’s no.1 rank (2015) is also the first Indian badminton player to have won an Olympic medal.

Besides, she is the first Indian to have reached the final of the BWF World Championships. Saina is also the only Indian to have won the BWF World Junior Championships. Her dazzling list of achievements is exemplary, and speaks of her dedication and determination.

Depicting the badminton champion’s inspiring journey, her biopic starring Parineeti Chopra titled ‘Saina’ is soon to hit the theatres.

Her career is star-studded with milestones that include 4 Super Series Premier, 7 Super Series, 8 Grand Prix Gold, 1 Grand Prix to her credit, apart from winning the medals at World Championships, Olympics and Commonwealth games.

With 24 international titles comprising 11 Superseries, Saina has been an iconic sports personality. She has been conferred with Padma Bhushan, Padma Shri, Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna, Arjuna Award.

She represented India thrice in the Olympics.

Badminton at the 2012 Summer Olympics- Women’s singles.

This Hisar-born girl won the bronze medal at the 2012 London Olympics by defeating the then world number 2 Chinese Xin Wang. No shutter before her had achieved this feat. She is the first Indian badminton player to win a medal in the sport at the prestigious event.

Commonwealth Games (2010) badminton singles.

Saina emerged as the first Indian woman to win a Commonwealth Games gold in badminton singles event. It was India’s 38th gold at the games.

World Championship silver 2015.

Saina once again became the first Indian to win a silver medal at the World Championships.

All England silver 2015.

Adding another feather to her incredible list of achievements, Saina won the silver in the final of the All England.

China open gold 2014.

Exhibiting her best forms, Saina was consistently stunning for the 42 minutes in the final, taking over the gold by defeating Japan’s Akane Yamaguchi.