Saina realises the enormity of her task

“My aim is to win an Olympic gold,” says the 17-year-old Saina Nehwal, painting a picture of confidence after her dominant 21-3, 21-11 victory over Ashwini Ponappa at the Pramod Mahajan Senior National Ranking badminton tournament at the Siri Fort Sports Complex. But the enormity of the task sinks in as she adds: “Sometimes, I don’t believe it — I am actually going to the Olympics, and at such a young age. I do feel a bit scared sometimes, I worry about losing in the first round itself.”

Nevertheless, she knows what she has to do. “I have to be very consistent, keep working hard and maintain my ranking. I have taken on so many top players and lost to them after stretching them to the limit. Gopi sir (her coach Pullela Gopichand) says it happens because I think ahout winning when I see the opportunity,” she says, speaking to The Indian Express.

The Mittal Champions Trust player has been working with South African trainer Heath Mathew — he helped Sania Mirza, too — and she admits it has made a difference. “He changed a few things in my training, and made me work on my weight training in particular. It has definitely helped my game a lot. Fitness is a key aspect these days,” she states.

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Saina may persuade Gopichand to travel with her for tournaments abroad . “It definitely helps to have a travelling coach with you when you go outside to play,” she says.

The past year has been very encouraging and she wants to carry that good form into 2008. “I had some good matches, I lost some close battles to good players. But I hope to carry my form into 2008.” Her next tournament will be the Malaysian Open this month.