Press Trust of India
New Delhi, July 15: Shuttler Saina Nehwal informed Friday that she is now working on her half-smashes under the watchful eyes of coach Vimal Kumar to get closer to the goal of winning a gold medal at next month’s Rio Olympics.
“The victory in Australia came at just the right time. I was really looking forward for some change and nothing boosts confidence like winning a title. I needed that to keep believing that I am on the right track,” the 26-year-old said.
“I am working hard on my half-smashes as that can be a major weapon in my forte. These kind of shots can surprise the opponent. At the top level, you must have something new in your armoury,” she added.
Set to play in her third Olympics, Saina said she is completely fit and the key will be to ‘reach the peak’ in that particular week.
“Rio will be like any other tournament to me, there is no added pressure of playing in the Olympics,” the ace shuttler pointed out. “I know that if I am 100 per cent fit, I can beat anyone in the world. I am doing all my training nicely. My aim is to peak at the right moment.”
It has been a year and a half that Saina has been training under Vimal Kumar in Bangalore and she said the former national coach was the one who made her believe that she can be a champion and the No. 1 player in the world.
Vimal Sir’s influence is the biggest change. I really want to thank him for making me believe every day that I am a champion, I can be the No. 1. Vimal Sir is helping me work on my half-smashes and get closer to my goals,” informed Saina, who became World No.1 for first time under Vimal’s guidance last year.
Saina, however, is not ready to pick a clear favourite in the women’s singles at Rio. “Everyone will be there to win. Li Xuerui, Tai Tzu Ying, Nozomi Okuhara, Ratchanok Intanon, Carolina Marin are all very good players,” Saina stated. “Everyone will come well-prepared for the Games. So competition will be tough.”
