Saina Nehwal Reflects: Tennis Might Have Been a Better Fit

Trailblazing Indian shuttler Saina Nehwal muses during her talk at Rashtrapati Bhawan that she might have excelled further had she pursued tennis instead of badminton. Despite her impressive badminton career, she highlights her struggles, lack of role models, and urges youngsters, especially girls, to take up sports.

Trailblazing Indian shuttler Saina Nehwal recently reflected on her career, suggesting that tennis might have been a better fit for her. Speaking at the 'Her Story–My Story' talk at Rashtrapati Bhawan, Nehwal admitted, 'Sometimes I feel that it would have been good if my parents had put me in tennis.'

Nehwal is celebrated as the first Indian woman shuttler to be ranked No. 1 globally and the first to win an Olympic medal. Despite these achievements, she pondered the financial prospects and her physical potential in tennis over badminton. 'There is more money and I had more strength, I think I could have done better in tennis,' she added.

At 34, Nehwal has inspired many, but she herself lacked role models growing up. 'When I started, I didn't have any role models to look up to,' she said. She urged youngsters, particularly girls, to consider sports careers, emphasizing the need for more competitive athletes.