This refers to the report, “Saina wins women's singles title” (April 16). Saina Nehwal has done a spectacular turnaround to her career by bagging the Commonwealth Badminton gold. Though the mercurial PV Sindhu has drawn more accolades on the world stage by her superlative run in recent times, the Commonwealth final was expected to be an evenly fought match considering Saina's superior record against her compatriot. Her overall record against Sindhu, before the Commonwealth, stood 3-1 in her favour. The 28-year-old managed to continue her winning streak against Sindhu by overcoming her in straight sets on Sunday at the Gold Coast. The match was dominated by Saina who, contrary to her natural game, went on a no holds barred attack against the tall and lanky Sindhu from the word go.
She knew well that the 23-year-old Olympic silver medallist could bounce back if offered a breathing space. Obviously, Saina knows Sindhu's game out and out. Saina, the former world number one, and only the second Indian badminton player after the incomparable Prakash Padukone to have achieved the landmark, could have done much more with her racquet but for her bout with injuries. More than 20 international titles in an illustrious career, first Indian to win an Olympic medal and the fact that the badminton icon inspired a generation of young girls to take up the game, speak for themselves. But the newly added feather to an overflowing cap should propel the cool and calm Saina to take another shot at glories that have eluded her: World Badminton Gold and the All England Title.