Hyderabad, June 29 (IANS) India’s badminton ace Saina Nehwal, who created history by winning three titles in a row and is on the third spot in the world ranking, Tuesday said she was confident of becoming the world number one player.
Saina, who arrived here to a rousing reception by family, friends and THE Gopichand Badminton Academy, told reporters that she would work even harder to win the World Championship, Commonwealth Games and Asian Games.
‘When I can become world number 3, I can also become world number 1,’ said the 20-year-old player.
She, however, added that she would not push herself to be number one so fast but would work hard to win major tournaments.
‘I am quite happy that I have reached number three spot. But it is important for me to work hard and win tournaments rather than focus on rankings,’ she said.
‘After winning three tournaments in a row, the confidence level has gone up. For me it is important to stay focused and keep working hard the same way, play selective tournaments so that I can stay injury free and play well in these tournaments,’ said a proud Saina while displaying her medals.
Saina won the Indonesian Open Super Series Sunday to make a hat-trick of badminton titles in three weeks. She earlier won the Indian Open Grand Prix and the Singapore Open Super Series.
‘After the Singapore Open, which was a tough tournament, I was mentally and physically quite tired but I told myself ‘Saina you have to give your best and win this tournament’,’ she said about her victory in Indonesia Open final against Sayaka Sato of Japan.
