The 5 most remarkable achievements of Saina Nehwal in 2015

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, 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:

#1 Reaching the final of the China Open Superseries

She played at the China Open Superseries this year, going out in the finals to Li Xuerui

Saina finished up as the runner-up in the China Open Superseries tournament which took place in Fuzhou earlier this month.Even though the 25-year-old Indian ace failed to defend her title, to reach the final on two successive occasions in no small achievement.

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, shecould 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.

#2 Winning the India Open Superseries title

First ever All-India Open superseries for Nehwal this year

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 womens singles finalwhich lasted for 49minutes.

With this win, Saina alsobecame 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 reachthe final of the prestigious All England Badminton Championships. However, Carolina Marin hindered Sainas dream of joining the elite Indian champions' group (which consistsoflegends Prakash Padukone and Pullela Gopichand) by defeating the Indian in three games16-21, 21-14, 21-7.

This was Sainas first defeat against the Spanish girl, who was ranked 6thin the world at the time, in four meetings. She would surely like to go one better at next years Championships.

#4 Reaching the final of the World Championships

Saina Nehwal

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 Yohan and Lindaweni Fanetri before succumbing to Marin in the final. However, her silver medal was a first for an Indian female shuttler, and Indias fourth medal overall in the coveted event.

#5 Ascending to the World No. 1 ranking

Although she has since dropped to 2^nd as Carolina Marin took her spot back, Nehwal was top for a while

This is easily one of the most remarkable achievements inSaina Nehwals career. On 28thMarch, she became thefirst 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 acouple 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 3rdwith 74767 points.