Shuttler Saina Nehwal upbeat about the year ahead

Beginning with the Malaysian Super Series next week, top ten ranker Nehwal has a busy calendar

Shuttler Saina Nehwal upbeat about the year ahead

Beginning with the Malaysian Super Series next week, top ten ranker Nehwal has a busy calendar

BREAKING in the top ten category of shuttlers in the world has a few advantages. The nation's eye-candy Saina Nehwal will discover this in the 365 days that will follow in 2009. Starting with the Malaysian event a Super Series tournament from January 6 Nehwal won't be denied entry in the 11 Super Series tournaments that will be part of the calendar year in badminton this season (subject to injuries, a slip in form and subsequently rankings that is).

It wasn't a surprise to hear a voice at the other end of the receiver coming across extremely upbeat and confident when MiD DAY contacted her yesterday.

"I am extremely fit," was the first thing she said after returning home from a strenuous training session which has been part of her routine since winning the World Junior badminton title late last year.

But like the year gone by, that memorable win is the thing of the past. In between experiencing some cherished highs, one thing that Nehwal has picked up is to strike a balance between the adulation she is being subjected at the moment and to remain focused on the objective at hand.

Of course, being coached by an immensely modest former All-England conqueror Pullela Gopichand is an added bonus.

Source of inspiration
"There is a lot to learn from Gopi Sir both on and off the field. So, while he always is, and will remain a huge source of inspiration on the court, I have picked up a lot as to how to handle and cope with the adulation that comes along after a few successes," She says.

As for the Malaysian sojourn, Nehwal with the kind of form she is in, gives her the liberty to relax when she says, "The first round will not be as challenging" but quickly reassures that there is no room for complacency and insists the tournament will be a good platform to unveil the blue print according to which she will go about her business this busy calendar year.

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