Bengaluru: World No.1 Saina Nehwal’s confidence is at an all-time high these days following her impressive run in recent months. The top-ranked shuttler, who trains under coach Vimal Kumar at the Karnataka Badminton Courts, is preparing in earnest for the Japan Open Super Series in Tokyo next week.
“I played the Japan Open in 2011 and I lost in the semifinals. So I’m playing after four years and I hope I do well,” said Saina, unveiling her new jersey with new sponsors Edelweiss Group.
Saina, who regained the top spot last month credited her run to her coach Vimal. “This has been a dream year in my career. I don’t know how to react to this achievement. It’s a big phase of my life,” said the 25-year-old.
Since moving to Bengaluru, Saina has found her true potential. “I have been playing so many tournaments. Definitely I see myself either playing in the finals or semifinals or (have) won most of them. This shows I’m improving,” she said.
Saina, who won silver at the World Championships last month, is totally focused on her training. And with an eye on next year’s Rio Olympics, she is keen to focus on important tournaments in the run-up to the quadrennial event.
“Sometime in December or January I have to take a little bit of rest because it is going to be an Olympics year. Then there are six or seven tournaments before Rio so I just hope I’m fit and injury free,” she added.
Saina heaped praise on her coach. “He’s more of a friend than a coach to me. I just tell him my weakness and it’s all about those small mistakes which have cost me during big matches,” said the Khel Ratna award winner.
