New Delhi: After breaking into the elite zone of top 10 players, shuttler Saina Nehwal Monday became the first Indian woman to be named as the most promising player of the year by the Badminton World Federation (BWF).

The decision was taken in the council meeting of the BWF in Seoul on December 6, according to a statement issued by BWF vice-president V.K. Verma here Monday.

Saina’s name was proposed along with three other players by the World Badminton Players’ Federation.

Saina has had an incredible run this year, becoming the first woman shuttler to win the Chinese Taipei Open, apart from winning the World Junior Badminton and Commonwealth Youth Games gold. She also reached the quarter finals at the Beijing Olympics.

Saina said: “I am very excited and happy to get this honour. I never expected such an award but now that I have got it, it has motivated me a lot and given me a big boost. (PTI)