Saina Nehwal says parents must be ‘really strict’ to raise a champion, recalls how her mother shaped her career

Former world No. 1 badminton player Saina Nehwal believes there is no shortcut to producing a champion. According to the Olympic medallist, parents who want their children to excel in sports need to be consistent, disciplined and, at times, strict.

Speaking on The Rayane Show with YouTuber Rayane Mithun, Saina reflected on her own journey and said much of her success came not only from talent and coaching but also from the constant support and discipline of her mother.

Saina Nehwal Says Parents Need To Be Strict

When asked whether parental consistency is important in shaping a sportsperson, Saina said, "I think parents, if they really want their kid to achieve, they have to be really strict.”

She noted that parenting styles have changed, with many parents becoming more lenient than before. While acknowledging that both parents often work and have demanding schedules, Saina stressed that parents still need to maintain their authority.

"Nowadays, what I am seeing is that the parents are becoming a little softer. I understand both the parents are working. It's not easy, but parents have to show their place. Parents are parents."

She added, "If you are soft with him and giving him time to be with friends or go out and have fun, then I think it gets a little difficult,"

According to Saina, parents need to make a conscious decision if they want their child to pursue sport at the highest level.

"If you have set up that mindset as a parent that I want my kid to be someone at the highest level."

Saina Credits Her Mother For Her Never-Give-Up Attitude

Saina also spoke about the determination that helped her overcome challenges throughout her career. She believes she inherited her never-give-up attitude from her mother.

"My never giving up attitude is because of my mom. Even she has that attitude."

She said children often pick up the habits and mindset they see at home, making parental involvement an important part of their development.

"So the kid will definitely do well if the parent is behind her or him."

How Saina's Mother Shaped Her Routine

Recalling her childhood, Saina said her mother was closely involved in every part of her sporting routine. From thinking about matches and food to helping her recover after training, her mother remained involved throughout.

"She used to always be behind me, making me think about the matches, what to eat. Then, immediately the coach used to come. Then she used to massage my legs. Again next match."

Saina said this routine eventually shaped her mindset from a young age.

"The mindset became like that by the time I was 11-12 that I have to perform. I have to do well. I have to achieve the best."

Parents Need To Help Children Find Their Goal

Saina believes young children may not always know what they want to pursue in life. Parents can therefore play an important role in helping them develop direction and stay focused.

"At that point of time, you will have to put in their mind that this is your goal because obviously as a kid they won't know what to do. Even I didn't know what to do. My mind was everywhere. I'll become this, I'll become that. But my mom made sure I'm on the right track."

Saina Says Sports Training Should Start Early

Saina revealed that she began playing badminton at nine, an age she now considers relatively late compared with international standards.

"I started at the age of nine, which is still a little late."

She pointed to countries such as Russia and China, where children often begin training in sports at a much younger age.

"In Russia, China and all, they start at the age of three: for tennis, badminton, swimming, anything."

Saina said she sometimes avoids discouraging Indian parents about starting late, but believes children should ideally be introduced to serious sports training much earlier.

"Sometimes I keep quiet when I'm telling Indian parents out here. I'm like, 'Okay, five is okay, six is okay.' But when they say he or she is only 10, I think 10 is a very big age already. You will have to start by the time they're six or seven."

Saina Says Talent Isn't Limited By Background

Despite emphasising discipline and early training, Saina does not believe that a child's background or financial status determines their sporting potential.

"Talent is in everyone whether they are from village background, middle class, upper middle class or rich. All the kids are the same."

For her, the difference lies in how committed parents are to supporting their children's ambitions.

"It's just that if the parents decide for them that I want my kid to be this and maybe if he has to go the hard way for that, I will do that."

She also acknowledged that pushing children into a demanding sporting career can be difficult for parents.

"I know parents' hearts are also very, very soft. It's not easy for them to push them into a tough field when you have everything."

However, Saina believes that a certain degree of firmness is necessary when preparing children for a competitive sporting career.

"That toughness is required. That stiffness is required. If it is there, then if I can do it, all the kids can do it."

Saina Nehwal's Message To Parents

Saina's own journey shows how consistent parental involvement can influence a young athlete. While she stresses discipline and toughness, her larger message is also about being present throughout a child's development.

Helping children build healthy habits, stay committed to their goals, handle setbacks and follow a routine can all contribute to their growth. For Saina, the support and determination of her mother played a crucial role in helping her develop the mindset needed to compete at the highest level.

[With TOI inputs]