Saina Nehwal unplugged: On-court rivalry with ‘good friend’ Sindhu; coach Gopichand’s neutral stance, and more

Saina Nehwal plays to win, applying the approach to the way she takes on tough questions too. Not one to shy from a hard shot, she faces a volley of queries ranging from competing against PV Sindhu to a rumoured link-up with P Kashyap. She cruises through easily, backed by her gold haul from her victories in the individual and team events at Gold Coast, Australia. The badminton ace won a bronze medal over the weekend at the Asian Badminton Championship. Excerpts from an email interview:

What was going on in your mind when you played the match against PV Sindhu in the Commonwealth Games?

It was stated from the very first day (of the tournament) that the final will be between two Indians. So, I was ready for that. A day earlier, I played against Kirsty Gilmour and our match went to three sets. I was a bit (more) tired than Sindhu who overpowered her injured opponent in two sets. When the day of the final came, I was confident that I was going to win. The rest was seen in our match. Sindhu was better in the second set and was well ahead of me. But due to a few long rallies, we were both exhausted. But she was more tired and in the end, I won (the last set) — 23-21. It was good that the final was between two Indians and the two medals were ours.

(L-R) Saina Nehwal, coach Pullela Gopichand and PV Sindhu at CWG

How is your relationship with Sindhu? Are you friends?

Yes, we are good friends. On court, we want to give our best. We scream, we cry, we do all other tactics to win the game, which we see with other players belonging to different countries. On court, rivalry is the best option for game improvement.

Gopichand said he did not watch that final match. How did you feel about that?

Because he coaches both of us, he avoided taking sides. We know about this practice. So, we consoled ourselves that we have to apply our mind to win over the opponent.

Nehwal with father after CWG win

Your father ( Harvir Singh Nehwal )wasn’t allowed in the games village and you said you didn’t sleep for two days. How did you hold your nerve and control your emotions in the midst of all of the drama?

It was not drama; it happened. We know the difficulty of the organisers also. The matter was resolved amicably. My father was suitably accommodated and I started (working on) my own business, putting in all efforts to bring this result in badminton for our country.

Do you feel that it was a bit of an overreaction to tweet as hotels were easily available?

I do not know, I did not overreact. Hotels were not available nearby, otherwise I would have gone outside. I took my father on my own cost. I know all the rules and abided by them.

You said you paid for your father to accompany you. Who did you pay and how much?

Now what to do with old things? Think of the brighter side and move forward. Everything was fine and I am thankful to all the organisers, the Government of India and the officials in the village for giving me the best options.

Badminton is set to have a new service rule. Will it affect the game and your playing style?

We will become used to it. Several changes are made in sports, which ultimately are in favour of players. Soon we (will) adopt the new rule with proper training.

What do you do to relax?

Nothing more than resting for a while, eating well, amusing ourselves by laughing with colleagues to bust the tiredness. No specific hobbies. We do our training and relaxation as per our supporting staff.

Nehwal with Kidambi (left)

You have been World No 1 in badminton. What advice would you give Kidambi Srikanth?

I congratulated him on this honour. He is the best player and knows his responsibility.

Your name was recently linked to fellow badminton player Parupalli Kashyap saying you were in a relationship. Is this true?

Is it [the question] to be answered at a time when you are rejoicing the win in the Commonwealth Games? To have friends is very good.


Nehwal and Kashyap shaking hands