Saina Nehwal's warning before World Championships: I don'tu00a0 fall short in ability and fitness as compared to the best

Hyderabad: Saina Nehwal is just 20. But the age factor has not prevented her from being selected for the highest honour a sportsperson can receive from the sports ministryu00a0-- the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna award.

While Saina is delighted to be picked for an honour of such magnitude, her guns are trained on this month's World Badminton Championships in Paris.

When SUNDAY MiD DAY visited her home in Hyderabad recently, she appeared relaxed and extremely confident of her chances in Paris. She's had a good, three-week break after three back-to-back World titles.

She spoke about her strengths, weaknesses and why India should expect greater things from her.u00a0 Excerpts from an interview:

After three major titles on the circuit and the World No 2 ranking, what more is required to attain top ranking and the World title?

I am not really into rankings right now. At the start of the year I was not even thinking of getting into the top five, but it is nice that I am ranked No 2.

This has come quickly, but my target is still the same as it was at start of the season - i.e to do really well at Paris, Commonwealth Games and the Asian Games. These are my priorities.

I have improved my strokes and overall fitness. We have covered all aspects but yes, in sport, there is always room for improvement and my net play needs some work.