Zeenews Bureau
New Delhi: The fairytale journey continued for badminton sensation Saina Nehwal as she was honoured with the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna award on Friday, the highest award given for achievements in sports in India.
Reacting to the announcement, Saina said she is delighted to get the award. “I am ecstatic,” said Saina from Hyderabad.
“It is a pleasant surprise for me after becoming world number two,” Saina added.
After bagging the highest award, Saina is not only content but determined to achieve more for India. “I will work hard to bring more laurels to India,” she said.
Her coach and former all England badminton Champion Pullela Gopichand said that Saina deserves the award after achieving so much for India.
“She deserves the award. It’s her determination and hard work that brought the highest sporting award for her,” he said.
Earlier in July, the ace shuttler became World No 2 in the world badminton rankings.
Saina has won three back-to-back titles - Indian Open Grand Prix, Singapore Open Super Series and Indonesian Open Super Series during the last couple of months. The three titles helped her to reach the second spot.
Saina Nehwal has a busy schedule in the coming months. She will take part in the World badminton Championship in Paris, Commonwealth Games and Asian Games.
First Published: Saturday, July 31, 2010, 09:11