Saina Nehwal
18-year-old from Hyderabad is the first ever woman shuttler from India to enter the
 quarter finals in any olympics.

Hyderabad,: Saina Nehwal,18-year-old from Hyderabad pulled off the biggest upset of the women's singles badminton competition by knocking out fourth seed and World No. 6 Wang Chen in the pre-quarter finals at Beijing Olympic Games 2008, China.She as thus created history by becoming the first ever woman shuttler from India to enter the quarter finals in any olympics. She bowed out of the women's singles at the Olympics following a quarter-final loss to Indonesian Maria Kristin Yulianti.She was beaten 28-26, 14-21, 15-21 by the world No 16 after a thrilling contest.Despite her loss she has been an Indian Queen in Olympics. She has shown tremendous courage and talent to fight against some mighty women from Indonesia and other Countries. Saina has tremendous potential to become no:1 in World if she gets support and encouragement from Govt of India and the Federation of Indian Badminton Saina Nehwal was born on March 17, 1990 in Hyderabad city of India. Saina started her badminton training under the apt guidance of S M Arif, who was a Dronacharya Awardee. The Gopi Chand Academy of Hyderabad has been grooming her and had sent her to Holland and Denmark. Her father,Harvir Singh, is a scientist at Directorate of Oilseeds Research, and mother, Usha Rani,is a former Haryana state champion. Being a National Junior champion, Saina Nehwal has performed well in all the tournaments in which she has participated. Not only national but also in international tournaments Saina Nehwal has made a mark of her own. The Junior Czech Open, which took place in the year 2003, was a major break in the career of Saina Nehwal as she went on to win the tournament. Saina Nehwal also gave her best in the Commonwealth Games of 2004 but could not win a medal. Saina Nehwal also took part in the Junior Asian Championship of 2004. She has been the runner-up twice in the National women's single event. She has won twice the Asian Satellite Badminton Tournament. Her Coach is Pullela Gopichand, India's former Badminton Player. CM sanctions Rs20 lakhs cash award to teenaged badminton sensation Saina Nehwal -MK   August' 2008 More Newsmakers...

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