Indian badminton star Saina Nehwal is back defending herself against social media trolls. Over the last month or so, the shuttler has been engaging in a tug of war with fans over various topics. Saina had made certain comments during the recently-concluded Paris Olympics that got her into a bit of trouble with fans on the internet. During a podcast, Saina’s husband Parupalli Kashyap brought up the topic, saying he read people think Saina was ‘gifted’ her bronze medal at the 2012 London Olympic Games. Fuming at the suggestion, Saina gave a fiery reply to those making such comments.

“During the Paris Olympics she had said something and in the comments (on social media) I was seeing people saying that she got gifted the bronze medal,” Kashyap said during a chat with RJ Anmol and actor Amrita Rao.

Saina, upon hearing Kashyap bringing up what social media trolls wrote, said that those who think that way should first become capable enough to qualify for Olympic Games.

“Olympic level ke layak toh bano aap. Pehle Olympics ke liye qualify toh karke dikhao (Try and get yourself up to the level of the Olympics),” said the ace shuttler.

Saina was awarded bronze medal in 2012 London Olympic Games after her opponent, China’s Wang Xin, injured herself by twisting her knee and retired hurt.

For reference, Saina had irked many because of her comments on wrestler Vinesh Phogat, who was disqualified from women’s 53kg final after failing to maintain the desired weight during the pre-match weigh-in.

Speaking on the topic, Saina had said: “Generally, such type of mistakes don’t happen to any athlete at this level. How did this happen is a question mark. Because she has a big team. She has so many coaches, physios, trainers. They all must be feeling so bad. I am not sure about the rules and regulation of wrestling. As an athlete, I am feeling bad.”

Saina had recently also hinted at retirement, saying her body is no longer able to take the strain of being an active sportsperson.

Ace Indian shuttler and former Olympic bronze-medallist Saina Nehwal has revealed that she is battling arthritis and will have to decide on her future in badminton by the end of this year as the ailment has made it impossible for her to train the usual hours. The 34-year-old former world No.1, who was the first Indian shuttler to win an Olympic medal with her bronze in London 2012, participated in three editions of the Games before being hampered by injuries. The 2010 and 2018 Commonwealth Games gold-medallist said she can no longer overlook the fact that her career is in its final leg.

“The knee is not very good. I have arthritis. My cartilage has gone to a bad state. It is very difficult to push for eight-nine hours,” Nehwal said on the ‘House of Glory’ podcast hosted by shooting great Gagan Narang, who was India’s chef-de-mission in the recent Paris Olympics.

“How will you challenge the best players in the world in such a state? I think I will have to accept it somewhere. Because two hours of training is not good enough to play with the highest level of players and get the desired results,” she added.

Nehwal said she is still considering the impact retirement will have on her but admitted that she would eventually have to take a call. The trailblazing star, who is also a BJP member now, was last seen in action more than a year ago in the Singapore Open where she lost in the opening round.

“I am also thinking about it (retirement). It will be sad because it is like a job that a normal person does. Obviously, a sportsperson’s career is always a short one. I started at the age of 9. I will be 35 next year,” she said.

“I have also had a long career and I am very proud of that. I have broken my body to a great extent. I am happy with what I have done and given it all. (I) will assess how I feel by the end of this year,” she added.

The Padma Shri awardee said competing at the Olympics was her childhood dream and missing the showpiece for two consecutive editions has been hurtful.

“Competing at the Olympics is a childhood dream for all. You prepare to reach that level for years. Hence, at times, when you realise you will not be able to make it, it hurts a lot,” she expressed.

“Because it is not like you do not want to play, but your body is telling that you are not doing well and you have injuries.”

Nehwal, however, said she would look back at her run in the Games with pride. “But I have done a lot of hard work. I competed in three Olympics. I gave my 100 per cent in all of them. I can take pride in that and be happy about it,” she said.

Nehwal also spoke about the pressure of expectations and said as a top athlete, she has faced it not just from observers of the game but also from near and dear ones.

“When you become a big player, your friends, family, coaches, sponsors, everyone wants you to perform. There are a lot of stakeholders involved,” she said.

“With already a short career span, athletes cannot afford to take a four-year break and have to keep performing continuously. If you wish to become an international champion, you have to be strong to make tough decisions,” she added.

Ace Indian shuttler and former Olympic bronze-medallist Saina Nehwal has revealed that she is battling arthritis and will have to decide on her future in badminton by the end of this year as the ailment has made it impossible for her to train the usual hours. The 34-year-old former world No.1, who was the first Indian shuttler to win an Olympic medal with her bronze in London 2012, participated in three editions of the Games before being hampered by injuries.

The 2010 and 2018 Commonwealth Games gold-medallist said she can no longer overlook the fact that her career is in its final leg.

“The knee is not very good. I have arthritis. My cartilage has gone to a bad state. It is very difficult to push for eight-nine hours,” Nehwal said on the ‘House of Glory’ podcast hosted by shooting great Gagan Narang, who was India’s chef-de-mission in the recent Paris Olympics.

“How will you challenge the best players in the world in such a state? I think I will have to accept it somewhere. Because two hours of training is not good enough to play with the highest level of players and get the desired results,” she added.

Nehwal said she is still considering the impact retirement will have on her but admitted that she would eventually have to take a call. The trailblazing star, who is also a BJP member now, was last seen in action more than a year ago in the Singapore Open where she lost in the opening round.

“I am also thinking about it (retirement). It will be sad because it is like a job that a normal person does. Obviously, a sportsperson’s career is always a short one. I started at the age of 9. I will be 35 next year,” she said.

“I have also had a long career and I am very proud of that. I have broken my body to a great extent. I am happy with what I have done and given it all. (I) will assess how I feel by the end of this year,” she added.

The Padma Shri awardee said competing at the Olympics was her childhood dream and missing the showpiece for two consecutive editions has been hurtful.

“Competing at the Olympics is a childhood dream for all. You prepare to reach that level for years. Hence, at times, when you realise you will not be able to make it, it hurts a lot,” she expressed.

“Because it is not like you do not want to play, but your body is telling that you are not doing well and you have injuries.” Nehwal, however, said she would look back at her run in the Games with pride. “But I have done a lot of hard work. I competed in three Olympics. I gave my 100 per cent in all of them. I can take pride in that and be happy about it,” she said.

Nehwal also spoke about the pressure of expectations and said as a top athlete, she has faced it not just from observers of the game but also from near and dear ones.

“When you become a big player, your friends, family, coaches, sponsors, everyone wants you to perform. There are a lot of stakeholders involved,” she said.

“With already a short career span, athletes cannot afford to take a four-year break and have to keep performing continuously. If you wish to become an international champion, you have to be strong to make tough decisions,” she added.

In a touching show of patriotism, Indian sports icons have come together to extend their heartfelt wishes on the occasion of the 78th Independence Day. From cricket legends to Olympic and Paralympic champions, athletes have taken to social media to share their greetings with the nation. “Sportspersons aren’t the only ones playing for India. Every Indian who does their job with honesty and sincerity is a key player for Team India. So, when the national anthem plays today, know that it’s for you, and I hope you’ll feel the same way I did when I heard it every time I stepped out to play for India,” Sachin Tendulkar posted on X.

Sportspersons aren’t the only ones playing for India. Every Indian who does their job with honesty and sincerity is a key player for Team India. So, when the national anthem plays today, know that it’s for you, and I hope you’ll feel the same way I did when I heard it every time…

— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) August 15, 2024

Olympics medallist shuttler Saina Nehwal said, “As a sportsperson, I’ve learned the value of freedom on the field, but it’s the freedom of our nation that gives us the strength to dream big. Happy Independence Day!”

As a sportsperson, I’ve learned the value of freedom on the field, but it’s the freedom of our nation that gives us the strength to dream big. Happy Independence Day!#JaiHind #FreedomToDream #HappyIndependenceDay pic.twitter.com/cOkTpIr6dD

— Saina Nehwal (@NSaina) August 15, 2024

Indian men’s hockey stalwart PR Sreejesh, said “Proud Indian, Wishing you all a memorable Independence Day! May the spirit of freedom and patriotism fill your heart with pride.”

Indian men’s cricket team head coach Gautam Gambhir, shared “Freedom comes at a price. Our heroes pay it everyday with their blood! Never forget #HappyIndependenceDay”

Freedom comes at a price. Our heroes pay it everyday with their blood! Never forget #HappyIndependenceDaypic.twitter.com/wJgY4IH5pi

— Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) August 15, 2024

Ex-India women’s cricket captain, Mithali Raj wrote, “Every time our tricolour flutters in the wind, it tells a story of resilience, hope, and the relentless pursuit of freedom. Our nation’s journey is a testament to the strength we find in unity and the dreams we share. Today, we honour our past and look ahead to a future filled with endless possibilities. Happy Independence Day to every Indian, wherever you are.”

Paralympics champion shuttler Pramod Bhagat also conveyed his greeting on the occasion, “Happy Independence Day! Let’s take a moment to reflect on our journey as a nation and pledge to contribute towards a brighter future for all. Together, we are unstoppable!”

Former Indian cricketer Venkatesh Prasad, wrote “Let us celebrate the courage and sacrifices of those who fought for our freedom. Let us stay united and work towards progress, and equality for all Indians. Happy Independence Day”

“Always proud and honoured to stand with our tricolor! Here’s wishing everyone a very Happy Independence Day,” posted former India cricketer Yuvraj Singh.

Always proud and honoured to stand with our tricolor!

Here’s wishing everyone a very Happy Independence Day  #HappyIndependenceDay pic.twitter.com/cgYJTa6OKK

— Yuvraj Singh (@YUVSTRONG12) August 15, 2024

The theme of this year’s Independence Day celebration is ‘Viksit Bharat @ 2047’, which aims to propel the country towards its goal of becoming a developed nation by the year 2047.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi unfurled the national flag and delivered the customary address to the nation from the Red Fort’s ramparts.

Around 6,000 special guests representing diverse sections of Indian society, including youth, tribal communities, farmers, women, and beneficiaries of various government schemes, were invited to witness the ceremony.

Vinesh Phogat’s day of triumph turned into abject despair on Wednesday morning after the wrestler was disqualified from the Paris Olympics 2024. Vinesh had qualified for the 50kg women’s wrestling final – the first Indian woman to do so. But now she will have to return empty-handed from Paris. The Indian Olympic Association requested privacy for the wrestler, who was competing in her third Olympics.

International rules stipulate that any grappler found overweight at the time of weigh-in ends up at the bottom of the final standings. She had taken down defending champion Yui Susaki of Japan en route the finals on Tuesday in a remarkable performance and was to face American Sarah Ann Hildebrandt in the summit bout this evening.

“She is an experienced athlete. She knows what is right or wrong. I don’y know the details of wrestling. I don’t know if there has been any appeal in Olympics which resulted in something significant. She knows the rule. I don’t what mistake she did, that too on the final day. I have always seen her working very hard. She gives her 100 per cent.”

Saina Nehwal, India’s first Olympic medallist in badminton, was surprised by the ‘mistake’ at such a top level. 

“Generally such type of mistakes don’t happen to any athlete at this level. How did this happen is a question mark. Because she has a big team. She has so many coaches, physios, trainers. They all must be feeling so bad. I am not sure about the rules and regulation of wrestling. As an athlete, I am feeling bad,” Saina said.

“It is not like she is playing her first Olympics, it’s her third Olympics. As an athletes she must know the rules. If there has been a mistake, I don’t know how it happened. At such a big stage, I have not heard any such thing about any other wrestler, that they have been disqualified due to being overweight. She is an experienced athlete. Somewhere there has been a mistake on Vinesh’s part too. She should take the blame too. Before such a big match, such a mistake is not right.”

Saina went on to say that there has been a mistake on Vinesh’s part too.  

“She is an Asian Games champion, a Commonwealth Games champion. Somewhere there must have been mistake on Vinesh’s part too. Because ahead of such a big match any player will be alert that the weight should be within permissible limits. How such a mistake happened only she or her coach can answer. But I am feeling dejected that we have missed one of sure-shot medal,” Saina said.

“I understand what she and her coaches  must be going through. They should answer now. May be by mistake something happened. Her coaches were crying after her victory. They should be in a better position to answer about what exactly happened.”

With PTI inputs

File photo of Parupalli Kashyap and MS Dhoni.© Instagram

New Delhi:

Badminton star Saina Nehwal today condemned Karnataka Congress MLA Shamanur Shivashankarappa’s derogatory remarks towards BJP leader Gayathri Siddeshwara. The 92-year-old Congress MLA suggested that women should confine themselves to the kitchen.

Ms Nehwal, responding to the comments, stressed the need to break free from such perspectives.

“‘Women should be restricted to the kitchen’ – This is what a top Karnataka leader, Shamanur Shivashankarappa ji, has said. This sexist jibe aimed at @bjp4india candidate from Davanagere, Gayathri Siddeshwara ji, is least expected from a party that claims ‘Ladki Hoon, Lad Sakti Hoon’,” Ms Nehwal said in a post on X. 

“When I won medals for Bharat on the playfield, what would the Congress party have preferred I should have done?” Mr Nehwal asked rhetorically. “Why say things like that when all girls and women dream of achieving big in any field they like? On one hand, we are honouring Nari Shakti. The Women’s Reservation Bill has been passed under the leadership of our PM Modi sir, and on the other hand, disrespecting Nari Shakti and misogynistic people. Really upsetting.”

“Woman should be restricted to the kitchen”- This is what a top Karnataka leader Shamanur Shivashankarappa ji has said . This sexist jibe at @bjp4india candidate from Davanagere Gayathri Siddeshwara ji is least expected from a party that says Ladki Hoon Lad Sakti Hoon

When I…

— Saina Nehwal (@NSaina) March 30, 2024

Mr Shivashankarappa, a five-time MLA from Davangere South, is the party’s oldest MLA. His daughter-in-law Prabha Mallikarjun is the Congress pick for the seat for the upcoming elections. 

In response to Mr Shivashankarappa’s comments, Gayathri Siddeshwara, the BJP’s candidate for Davangere South, highlighted the strides women have made across various professions, including those traditionally dominated by men. 

“He said it in a way that we should only cook and remain in the kitchen. What profession are women not in today? We are even flying in the sky. The old man doesn’t know how much women have progressed, he doesn’t know the love with which all women cook at home for men, children and elders,” said Ms Siddeshwara.

The BJP has lodged a complaint against Mr Shivashankarappa with the Election Commission of India. 

File photo of star Indian shuttlers Chirag Shetty and Satwiksairaj Rankireddy.© AFP