My uncles and other relatives are against encouraging girls in every aspect, and that includes sports. I hardly interact with them. My parents are more open. They back me all the way.
From Saina Nehwal
My dream is to see India as a nation of well-looked-after and respected sportspeople in all fields.
Both my parents were amateur badminton players. My father is a scientist and wanted me to be a doctor. But my mom was very aggressive and loved badminton. She pushed me right from the age of nine to take up the sport.
I never believed that India could win a medal in badminton because the competition is so tough.
I have always wanted an Olympic medal. I always wanted to see India's national flag going up at the podium.
Any girl who likes watching movies would like to work in them and would want to do all of that. I'm also one of them. But people know me for badminton and love me for it. So I'd stick to it right now. But maybe after badminton, I'll think about it.
Rankings are not so important. I am only focused on winning tournaments.
Badminton is not a popular sport in India.
My hero is Roger Federer.
At nine, my mom used to tell me she saw an Olympic medalist in me. I used to take it as a joke, but she was very serious.
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