Saina Nehwal, a champion athlete, has had a career marked by many glorious highs. With medals from the World Championship, Olympic and Commonwealth Games, among others, in her kitty, Saina has been a trailblazing personality who has paved the way for many a young girl to pursue badminton as a profession. Her rootedness makes her even more inspiring.
In Calcutta for the seventh edition of Ekal Run, organised by Ekal Yuva, the youth wing of Friends of Tribals Society, held at Godrej Waterside, Sector V, the 35-year-old from Hisar, Haryana, took some questions from t2.
What are your favourite things to do in Calcutta?
I love the energy and warmth of Calcutta. The food is amazing, especially the sweets and street food. Meeting fans here is always special; their love and support are unforgettable.
What did you tell the participants you met about the importance of playing a sport or keeping fit in general?
I told them that sports teach discipline, focus, and resilience. Keeping fit isn’t just about the body; it’s about building confidence and a strong mind. Even if you don’t become a professional, the habits and lessons you learn from sports stay with you for life.
Do you enjoy running?
Yes, I do. Running helps me clear my mind and keeps me physically strong. It’s also a simple way to maintain fitness when I can’t do full-on training sessions.
How has your personal fitness routine changed over the years?
When I was competing professionally, my routine was intense, with long hours on court, gym sessions, and strict diet control. Now, it’s more about maintaining health, mobility, and staying active without stressing the body. Yoga, running, and light strength-training are a big part of my routine.
How have you worked around your injuries and balanced that with training and keeping fit?
Injuries taught me patience. I learned to respect my body, modify workouts, and focus on rehabilitation. Smart training became more important than hard training.
You have spoken about your battle with arthritis. How have you kept your spirit positive, knowing that, minus the condition, you could have extended your career?
I focus on gratitude rather than regret. I gave my best with whatever I had. Every athlete has challenges — this was mine. I’m proud of what I achieved despite it. When there were no physios or trainers, I still tried to give it all… so, I’m very proud of my career.
Who are the players you admire for their long careers?
I admire players who maintained consistency and discipline over many years, athletes who respected their bodies and stayed mentally strong throughout their careers, like Wang Yihan from China, Tai Tzu-ying from Chinese Taipei, and Carolina Marin from Spain.
Your parents remain your best friends...
Yes, absolutely. They’ve been my strongest support system. I can share everything with them without any fear or filters.
There is a certain simplicity about you. Has that been the key to success?
Yes. I believe simplicity keeps you focused. I’ve always believed in hard work, honesty, and staying grounded. That mindset helped me handle both success and failure.