Short interview with Saina Nehwal: ‘Too much pressure on me’

LONDON, ENGLAND – JULY 30: Saina Nehwal of India returns a shot against Lianne Tan of Belgium during their Women?s Singles Badminton during Badminton match on Day 3 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at Wembley Arena on July 30, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

It was another quick workday for Saina Nehwal as she walked all over an outmatched opponent. Lianne Tan – sister of Yuhan Tan who is in Kashyap’s group – came away giggling at the nature of the gulf in quality. Lianne Tan is No.55 to Saina’s No.5 – she’s in this competition only because of the representation ensured to players from weaker badminton-playing countries at the Olympics.

Lianna appeared embarrassed like a schoolgirl. “Oh, Saina was too good,” she said. “I want to be like her. I knew I would be beaten today, I just wanted to do my best. She’s too strong, too fast.”

Meanwhile, the Indian girl conceded that, after the easy outings in the group matches, the pre-quarters would start to throw up the big challenges.

“There’s too much pressure on me back home,” Saina said. “But I can only do my best. I know everybody is expecting me to win a medal.”

Does she follow the news while at the Olympics?

“Oh no, not at all. I’m shutting myself off. I can’t afford to go through all that is written.”