Straight Answers

REETU JOSHI / TNN / Apr 16, 2006, 19:12 IST

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Saina Nehwal, Badminton player on victory in the Commonwealth Games and on the forthcoming Asian Games.

Saina Nehwal, Badminton player on victory in the Commonwealth Games and on the forthcoming Asian Games.
What was your reaction when the selectors chose you for the CWG (Commonwealth Games) instead of Aparna Popat?
The management of the Indian team selected me for the CWG because they wanted to give an opportunity to upcoming players.
I was overwhelmed by the decision and gave my best to win in the event, which was very crucial to my career.The match was even more special to me as my opponent Rebecca Leigh Bellingham from New Zealand, was ranked 33rd.

Winning a bronze in the event was a confidence booster.
Are you taking any special coaching for the forthcoming Asian games?
I am practicing from 6 to 9 in the morning and 4 to 7 in the evening under the guidance of my coach P Gopichand.
I know that I have to work more on my mental makeup to give my best in every tournament, and my long cherished dream is to win a Gold for India at the Olympics.
Have you sought ant sponsorship so far?

Yes, I am. Last December I was signed by a foundation run by an international steel baron. The sponsorship from that foundation will back me for three years and has really helped me a lot.
During this period, the foundation will take care of all the expenditure related to my training, coaching, diet and exposure to all the imperative international events.
I feel that sponsorship is a necessity for every sportsperson.
How do you cope up with the pressure to perform well consistently?
I never feel pressurized. Whenever I play, I try to focus only on my game. I think every sportsperson should feel that he/she is the best in the world.
This really helps in slackening out the stress. I also do meditation regularly. My fitness trainer takes care that I don��t exhaust myself.
hyderabadtimes@indiatimes.com

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