Badminton

“Saina can break into top 10″

Saina Nehwal is up to No. 12 in the world rankings and the dream of an Indian lady shuttler breaking into the top 10 is within striking distance.

“Definitely possible,” former national champion Madhumita Bist says. “It will be difficult no doubt, but it is something that Saina can achieve.”

Saina’s coach Pullela Gopi Chand feels the 19-year-old Hyderabad-based girl will break into the top-10 in due course, but agrees with Madhumita that the road ahead is quite tough.

“Just to maintain her current ranking, she’ll have to reach the semi-finals and finals quite consistently, something much easier said than done,” said Gopi, a former All-England champion. “Consistency will be the key for her now.”

“Following the triumph in Chinese Taipei, she had to straightaway travel to Japan. She was obviously drained out. Rankings are important, but Saina has to play more big events now,” Gopi added. “It’s crucial that Saina continues to play well, and the rankings will take care of themselves.” Saina

Tags: Madhumita Bist, Pullela Gopichand, Saina Nehwal