Woman Player of Year nominee Saina donates two lakhs for Chennai floods

Chennai, and several other districts in Tamil Nadu, have experienced unprecedented heavy rain in the past few days leading to disastrous flooding in this state and a death toll of around 260.

In this scenario, Saina Nehwal is set to donate Rs two lakhs to the relief fund, her father has confirmed. "Saina would like to donate Rs two lakh to the victims of rains in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. I am going to make it happen," Harvir Singh was quoted as saying by PTI.

While the amount may seem inconsequential, it is noteworthy that this is the first from a sportsperson in these tumultuous times. One will hope that this sets a good precedent and sees more sports persons step up and contribute at this time in need.

Woman Player of the Year nomination

Saina Nehwal has been nominated for the BWF Woman Player of the Year Award, along with World No.1 Carolina Marin and the Chinese duo of Zhao Yunlei and Bao Yixin. The winner will be announced at the Players' Reception and Gala Dinner for the Dubai World Superseries Finals on December 7 at Al Badia Golf Club.

Saina was also nominated for this award in 2014, but Zhao Yunlei walked away with the honor. This year though, she has a much stronger claim. The 25-year-old, who has struggled with her fitness recently, won the BWF World Superseries tour in Delhi and also reached the final of the BWF World Championships, the All England and the Thaihot China Open.

Saina also became the first Indian women's player to become the World No.1 in badminton, although Carolina Marin snatched away that spot from her with some fine performances towards the end of the season.