Saina Nehwal has been a shining light for aspiring Indian shuttlers ever since her triumphant outing at London Olympics in 2012. She became first Indian bminton player to win an Olympic medal, after bagging bronze in London in women’s singles event. Saina Nehwal also is only Indian to win BWF World Junior Championships. At 29, she is still challenging for major hours on international st. We’ve put toger a short summary of her journey as a youngster in Hisar to winning bronze at 2012 London Olympics.

Saina Nehwal childhood

Indian bminton ace - Saina Nehwal - was born to parents Harvir Singh Nehwal and Usha Rani in 1990. She grew up in Hisar district in Haryana. As a child, she was pushed to take up karate at a very young . Saina’s d, Harvir Singh, was a district bminton champion in Haryana and so was her mom - Usha. Saina Nehwal used to accompany her mom to local club in Haryana itself. 

Eventually, Saina took up bminton and began training under Nani Pras. Later on, she was under tutel of Arjuna award-winning bminton coach - SM Arif. Saina Nehwal did t give up on her studies while training and finished her schooling from St. Ann’s college in Hyderab. Saina Nehwal used to start her training at 4 am in morning and travelled a distance of almost 25 km to make it to a proper training facility.

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Saina Nehwal’s initial achievements

Saina started her pro career in 2004. She quickly rose to fame after she became first player to win Asian Satellite Bminton Tournament on two occasions. She was also youngest Asian to win a four-star tournament after winning Philippines Open in 2006 at tender of 16. After defeating Wang Lin of China in 2009, Saina Nehwal became first Indian to win BWF Super Series title.

Arguably, 29-year old’s greatest achievement is bronze medal that she won at 2012 London Olympics. She also has 12 national senior/junior titles to her name. Saina Nehwal has 22 titles till date and is on par with likes of Prakash Pukone, Pullela Gopichand and PV Sindhu as one of greatest shuttlers nation has ever produced. Saina was also bestowed with Pma Bhushan award in 2016 which is country's third-highest civilian award.
 

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