Saina Nehwal entered the history books as she became the first Indian shuttler to win an Olympic medal and said that she was destined to win a medal.
In a report in The Hindu, Saina was quoted as saying “I was lucky today. A medal was written for me. I was confident that I will pull it out. In the second game, she came with a different strategy, to finish points quickly, and she fell.”
She further added that “I still can’t believe it that I have won an Olympic medal. I couldn’t believe that an Indian couldn’t win an Olympic medal in badminton. We had worked very hard for it, and it feels great. I am happy to get a bronze medal in the Olympics.”
Meanwhile, The Times of India writes that celebrations were on at Nehwal’s residency after Saina won the bronze in the Olympics on Saturday with family members, friends and neighbours enjoying every bit of the occasion.
"She was disappointed yesterday after losing the semifinal. It was God's wish that she won a medal. This is very satisfying for everyone. I was very optimistic about Saina winning a bronze today," Saina's father Harvir Singh was quoted by in the report.
"But it is a pity that the Chinese shuttler had to pull out because of injury. I thank God for this victory. It is a very special day for her. We have all been waiting for this. We know how much of a struggle it was for her for the last four years. We are happy that she has won a medal," he said.