A biopic on me should promote badminton and not me: Saina Nehwal

Saina Nehwal poses with her Commonwealth Games Gold medal in Delhi

India’s star shuttler Saina Nehwal says that if a documentary or a biopic is made on her, it should be made such that it popularizes the sport of badminton in India and does not concentrate solely on her.

“To make a film on badminton, one has to learn its techniques”

Having won three titles in 2014 – China Open, Australian Super Series and Indian Open, Saina said that people are already aware of her so a movie should encourage people in India to take up badminton.

"I think people are already aware of whatever is going on in my life. If a movie comes it should be like sports. It should promote badminton and not me.

"So far, films like 'Bhaag Milkha Bhaag' and 'Mary Kom' (have been made) but badminton is a technique game and for making a film on it one has to learn its techniques also," she said.

Asked who would she like to play her in a film adaptation, she said, "Actress Deepika Padukone is fit to play her role as she is also a good badminton player."

She added that she would like to see her favourite actor, Shah Rukh Khan, as the hero in the movie.

“Vimal Kumar has given me a lot of time and my performances have improved”

She also revealed how coaching under Vimal Kumar is helping her and why she left Pullela Gopichand’s tutelage.

"It was an urgent requirement as Gopi Sir was unable to spare much time for me and I am unable to perform well also. My new coach, Vimal Kumar is giving me (a) lot of time and my performance too has improved."

Saina said she has no issue in travelling between Hyderabad and Bangalore as to train under Vimal Kumar, she would have to travel to Karnataka.

"I have taken this decision after weighing all the pros and cons," she added.

Indian women badminton players will win two medals at Rio Olympics

Referring to Chinese players Li Xuerui, Shixian Wang and Wang Yihan, Saina said, “At present nobody is in a position to challenge them, but my record against them has improved a lot. I have defeated Chinese players number of times recently."

Saina also predicted that the Indian female shuttlers will return from the Olympics in Rio with two medals.

"PV Sindhu is playing good and in the coming Olympic (Rio-2016) India's Women players may get two medals," Saina said.