Saina Nehwal

Saina victory effect: Success means sweating it out



The Pullela Gopi Chand Academy at Gachibowli seemed to light up in a warm victory glow after Saina Nehwal’s fantastic performance at the Indonesian Super Series on Monday. “Saina didi has done it in style. We always believed she could beat the Chinese players and win a Super Series title. We have to learn a lot from her, particularly her dedication, her work ethics and discipline. She is a role model for many young players like me, said 17-year-old Sikki Reddy, the Junior National Champion.
Even as the academy was celebrating Saina’s stupendous show, they had another reason to celebrate. The shuttlers from the academy cornered glory in the South Zone tournaments at Chennai, Kochi and Bangalore. They won as many as 18 titles in these three tournaments. Was it the Saina Nehwal effect? “I firmly believe so. Many of the young players want to emulate Saina. She has infused confidence into many young players. The parents also believe that if you work hard, success is bound to follow. With all the facilities available, parents are willing to back their child to the hilt now. I think the Gopi Chand Academy’s reputation and Saina’s success will bring more children into badminton,” said Venkat, who himself is a coach at Nandyal with the Nandi Pipe Academy.
Gopi Chand thinks that AP could well be named the nursery for Indian badminton players. “If you see the results in the last few years, the State has made tremendous impact in various national tournaments. It is wonderful to have so much talent. It makes me happy,” said Gopi Chand, after a four-hour session at the academy. Gopi Chand leads by example as he sweats it out with all passion.
PV Sindhu, who is touted as the next big player, says of Gopi and Saina. “They are like God to us. When they practice for long hours with lot of devotion, we also feel that we should slog it on the court. That kind of passion rubs off on any young player,” says Sindhu, daughter of former international volleyball player PV Ramana.
Sikki Reddy, the runners-up in Junior Commonwealth Championship, won the under-19 singles title at Bangalore and double titles in Chennai and Kochi. Gopi says Sikki is on the right track. “She is aggressive and a focused player. Watch out for her.”
The tall Sindhu is only 14 but she has already impressed many with her game. She won the under-16 titles, both singles and doubles (with Manisha), at Chennai, Kochi and Bangalore. She is another player who is already being talked as a bright future prospect. “She is a fantastic player. She is of a good height. She is a hard-working girl and has talent. We are working on her game,” said Gopi Chand.
Gopi Chand is also happy with the way Sumeet Reddy, Sai Praneeth and Pranav Chopra are progressing. Sumeet won the boys under-19 title at Chennai, Sai Praneet won the Kochi under-19 title and Pronav emerged champions in the same category at Bangalore. Apart from that, Sai and Pronav triumphed in the doubles at Chennai, Kochi and Bangalore. “Sumeet is a strong player and very consistent. Sai is talented and smart. Watching them makes me feel like working harder,” said Gopi Chand.