Badminton ace and Commonwealth Games gold medallist, Saina Nehwal offered prayers and sought blessings at Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri on Thursday. Nehwal, a bronze medalist at the 2012 London Olympics, said she wants India to do well in sports and she wants to contribute to it. Hailing from Haryana, the 33-year-old shuttler caught everyone's attention after winning the BWF World Junior Championships in 2008, early in her career. In the same year, she went on to make her first Olympic appearance but had to wait for another four years to bag a medal in the Summer Games. Indian Shuttler HS Prannoy Finding His Way Back After Chronic Stomach Disorder Returns To Trouble Him.

Saina Nehwal Offers Prayer at Jagannath Temple

In 2008, she became the first Indian woman to reach the Olympic quarter-finals. She defeated, then-world number five Wang Chen of Hong Kong but lost to Indonesia's Maria Kristin Yulianti.In 2009, Saina became the first Indian to win a BWF Super Series event. Her remarkable efforts were recognised as she was conferred with the Arjuna Award in 2009 and the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award in 2010. Thomas & Uber Cup 2024: Indian Men to Begin Title Defence vs Thailand; Women Face Canada In Opener at China.

The shuttler has had a phenomenal career for India, transforming the sport in the country. Saina represented India in several premier badminton competitions, winning various trophies and medals. She is also the only female Indian player to hold the world No.1 ranking in the sport. Saina has played a significant role in inspiring thousands of athletes and youth in the country to strive for success.

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