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To be a successful sportsperson in India, you need more than just talent. You also need determination, hard work, mental strength and enthusiasm to reach the heights of glory. And the best example of someone who ticks all those boxes is current World No. 2 and the nation’s best ever female badminton player Saina Nehwal. Born on 17th March, 1990 in Hisar, this star shuttler has fought against the odds to become the most successful player in Indian badminton history. Today, Saina stands as an inspiration for millions of young Indian girls; her massive success in the game has rekindled belief within the youngsters to take up badminton as a career.The year 2015 has been a remarkable one for the reigning Olympic bronze medalist Indian. And as she prepares for the year-ending Superseries Finals in Dubai, she will have her own 'Saina Squad' to cheer her on <link to Saina Squad article>, which could be a huge fillip to her chances! Let us take a look at the 5 most remarkable achievements of Saina in the year 2015:
#5 Reaching the final of the China Open Superseries
Saina finished up as the runner-up in the China Open Superseries tournament which took place in Fuzhou earlier this month. Although it was a disappointing resulst for her in the final, it was nevertheless a very spirited effort, considering that it was Saina’s first tournament after close to a month.
Starting the tournament as World No. 1, Saina committed a litany of unforced errors to go down 12-21, 15-21 against the reigning Olympic Champion and then World No. 7 Li Xuerui of China in the Championship match.
Despite losing in the summit clash, she could certainly draw plenty of positives from the tournament; she defeated her long-time nemesis Wang Yihan on her way to the final, against whom she had a 3-9 record prior to the match!
#4 Winning the India Open Superseries title
Saina clinched her maiden Yonex Sunrise All India Open Superseries title after defeating the World No. 8 Thai shuttler Ratchanok Intanon in March's battle of the best. The top-seeded Saina prevailed over the 20-year-old Intanon 21-16, 21-14 in the women’s singles final which lasted for 49 minutes.
With this win, Saina also became the first Indian shuttler to win the All India Super Series title. Unfortunately for her, after that tournament, she didn't win any other Superseries titles in the year.
#3 Reaching the final of the All England Open
In March 2015, Saina scripted badminton history by becoming the first ever Indian woman to reach the final of the prestigious All England Badminton Championships. However,
Carolina Marin hindered Saina’s dream of joining the elite Indian champions' group (which consists of legends Prakash Padukone and Pullela Gopichand) by defeating the Indian in three games 16-21, 21-14, 21-7.
This was Saina’s first defeat against the Spanish girl, who was ranked 6th in the world at the time, in four meetings. She would surely like to go one better at next year’s Championships.
#2 Reaching the final of the World Championships
After PV Sindhu had made headlines at the World Championships the previous two years,Saina went better in 2015 by storming to the title decider in emphatic fashion.
As Saina headed into the final against Carolina Marin, many considered her to be the favourite. But Marin once again proved her and the world wrong by defeating the Indian in straight games 21-16 21-19, thus winning her second straight World Championships crown.
Saina had a terrific tournament right throughout, defeating the likes of Wang Yihan and Lindaweni Fanetri before succumbing to Marin in the final. However, her silver medal was a first for an Indian female shuttler, and India’s fourth medal overall in the coveted event.
#1 Ascending to the World No. 1 ranking
This is easily one of the most remarkable achievements in Saina Nehwal’s career. 28th March, she became the first ever female shuttler from India to become World No. 1. \By virtue of that she also became the first non-Chinese player in five years to top the badminton rankings.
Saina accomplished the feat after Ratchanok Intanon defeated World and All England Badminton champion Carolina Marin in the semifinal of the India Open. However, her first tenure as World No. 1 was short-lived as she slipped to No. 2 after just a couple of weeks.
On August 20th, however, Saina regained the top spot after a spectacular performance in World Championships, where she reached her maiden final.
As per the current BWF Rankings, Saina stands at No. 2 position with 80132 points, with Carolina Marin leading the way on 89542 points. Li Xuerui is ranked 3rd with 74767 points.
