Arjuna award motivates Saina for London Olympics

Excited at winning the Arjuna award, ace Indian shuttler Saina Nehwal said the honour has motivated her to aim for a gold medal at the 2012 London Olympic Games.

New Delhi: Excited at winning the Arjuna award, ace Indian shuttler Saina Nehwal today said the honour has motivated her to aim for a gold medal at the 2012 London Olympic Games.

The 19-year-old Hyderabadi dedicated the award to her parents and coach Pullela Gopichand. "I am happy that my performance and hard work is being rewarded. It motivates me to perform better. I want to dedicate it to my parents and coach," Saina told reporters. "It is a recognition of my work and I`m excited but I think if I can win an Olympic gold for my country in front of my parents and coach, that would be the most emotional moment for me," she added.Saina won the Indonesian Super Series in June, Chinese Taipei Grand Prix Gold in September last year and the Phillipines Open in 2006. Saina said although she didn`t have to struggle too much but the early days of her career were slightly tough. "I feel I am lucky that I didn`t have to struggle as much as others have to because my parents have taken care of everything since eight years when I was introduced to badminton.” Bureau Report