Indonesian great Taufik Hidayat believes that India's Saina Nehwal has it in her to win a second medal at the Olympic Games in Rio de Janerio next month. The 34-year-old former shuttler, who won a gold at the 2004 Athens Olympics, also feels that winning a medal at the Games was a dream for any sportsperson and for him to win the yellow medal in Greece 12 years back was a completion of a dream.
“I think Saina could win a medal. The Olympics comes only once in four years, so it is very special for any athlete. Imagine how the entire India would feel if Saina Nehwal were to win the gold at the Rio Olympics.
“A medal at the Olympics is something you dream about, and for me winning the gold at Athens was the fulfilment of a dream,” Hidayat, who was in India recently, said.
Hidayat was not just effusive in praise of Saina, but felt that Indian badminton, in general, had made great strides in recent times. He pointed out the progress of Kidambi Srikanth as an indication of the growth made by the sport in the country.
“Till some time back there was only Saina, now there are more young players coming up.Among the men, K. Srikanth looks good, though he has had some not-so-good results of late,” he said.
The Indonesian also spoke about newer players have emerged from all around the world and added that the competition has increased in the doubles as well.
“Now we have good players from several countries. And I feel the doubles events too would be very competitive,” he said.
