I have surprised myself with Virat Kohli-like aggression: Saina Nehwal

Saina defeated Sun Yu of China in the finals yesterday to notch up her first title of the season ahead of the Rio Olympics.

Hyderabad: Surprised at her new found aggression, India's No 1 shuttler Saina Nehwal is confident that she would persist with her attacking style of play which enabled her to win Australia Super Series Championship.

Just like she had mentioned on her twitter account, Saina attributed her attacking style to Virat Kohli's recent exploits.

"In Australia, I was surprised to see myself being more aggressive. I was not doing that for a long time. But here, I was attacking a lot more. I was very, very aggressive and that's what I have learnt. I hope, in future matches also, I retain my aggression and continue attacking," Saina told reporters during a media conference, here today.

Citing the example of India's Test captain, Saina said:"All the players, if you see badminton, Carolina (Marin), she got very aggressive game. I really wish to have that aggressiveness, how Virat (Kohli) has got. He is playing really well these days. Every match he is performing so well. He is very aggressive on the field. So, the more aggressive you are, the better you perform.

"Because, it gives lot more confidence, lot more speed to move on the court. That's what I have been seeing on the field," she said.

The title victory came after a gap of more than a year and the star player is elated.

"I am really very happy. The last title I won was last year in March -- the India Open. After that, I played two finals at the World championships and China Open. I am very happy, because I had one severe injury. I came out of it. I was struggling with the injury for couple of months. This victory was required before the Olympics in August," said the ace shuttler.

"I was looking for a victory so that I get the confidence to play against all top players," she added.

What has been satisfying for Saina is the fact that all matches at the Australia Super Series were against top-class opponents.

"All the matches were really tough; in the quarters I played Ratchanok Intanon, then Wang Yihan and in the finals, it was a close match. Really very happy with this victory of course, it will give me confidence to work hard. With Olympics coming up, I just hope to maintain my fitness and remain injury-free which is very important.

"With the hard work, I am putting in, there will be better results coming in the future," she exuded confidence of an Olympic bronze medallist.

Noting that every player would be coming into Olympics with best preparations, she said she would like to give her all at the quadrennial extravaganza.

"Every player who is playing Olympics has a dream of wanting to win a medal. I am one of them. Definitely, I want to do well and win another medal. But, it's not that easy. It's a very tough tournament.

"All the players will be very well prepared. Everyone has a chance to win a medal in such a tournament. This time, my father will be accompanying me to Brazil. I hope to come back with a medal. But, it's not going to be easy. I will try my best," she said.