Saina Nehwal : When I am 100 percent fit, I have the potential to defeat anyone

ByArun S Kaimal, SportsCafe Editor

07/15/2016

Indian ace Saina Nehwal believes that her go-getter attitude will help her defeat anyone at the Olympics as long as she is 100 percent fit. Saina also added that she will take each tournament as it comes and will go to the Rio Olympics with a positive mindset to return with the best result.

Rio will be Saina’s third Olympics, and having won the bronze in the last edition, the 26-year-old knows that the expectations around her will be bigger this time. But, the 26-year-old said that she has the potential to defeat anyone on her day.

"Rio is an ideal place to showcase my game. You can't predict results, you need hard work and God's blessing, apart from support of your family and fraternity," Saina told IANS in an email interview.

Coming with an experience, I feel that on the day that I am 100 per cent fit, I have the potential to defeat anyone. I do not feel too much pressure. The moment you are on the court nothing else matters."

"I take each tournament as it comes. Rio Olympics will also be like any other game. My approach to the game is very positive and I would like to keep it like that and focus on my game.

Also read: Not just Saina, it’s time India adopted Kohli’s attitude

"Coming with an experience, I feel that on the day that I am 100 per cent fit, I have the potential to defeat anyone. I do not feel too much pressure. The moment you are on the court nothing else matters," she added.

Although Saina now looks healthy and strong to win a medal at Rio, a few months ago the situation was significantly different. The former World No.1 struggled with her Achilles injury and missed most of the tournaments in the early part of 2016. She had described it as the “most challenging phase of her career”, but believes that she can reach the peak of her fitness by Olympics.

"I feel I am fit, with some nagging injuries. I am running nicely. At the end of the day, it's important that you reach the peak and play your best during that particular week. That's what will count ultimately and will be the key," the 26-year-old said.

"Moreover, mental conditioning is as important as your physical strengthening. I have been blessed to be born with a go-getter attitude. I like to win and having a positive mindset really helps."

Moreover, mental conditioning is as important as your physical strengthening. I have been blessed to be born with a go-getter attitude. I like to win and having a positive mindset really helps."

With the battle for a medal at Rio likely to be one of the fiercest in recent times with many shuttlers in the fray, Saina said that she is leaving no stone unturned to prepare for the fight.

"I believe every player is there because they have the potential. Each game is going to be a tough game and each player will be a serious challenger," she said.

Speaking about her preparations for Rio, Saina said, "The entire day is spent in different sessions of training with sparring partners in three sessions of five hours in total -- two, two and one hour sessions.

"Then there is full stretching with the physio, good nutritious meals, and sound sleep. There is also a bit of entertainment on TV before I sleep.”

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