Saina Nehwal Aims to Inspire Future Badminton Stars in India

Saina Nehwal, the renowned Olympian shuttler, is dedicated to inspiring the next generation of badminton players in India. At the launch of the 'A Racquet's Second Life' initiative, she praised the emerging talent among young athletes and emphasized the need for improvement in power and rally skills. Nehwal highlighted recent successes of players like Tanvi Sharma and Lakshay Sen, showcasing India's promising future in badminton. She also discussed the significance of donating used racquets to support aspiring players from underprivileged backgrounds. Discover how Nehwal's efforts aim to elevate badminton in India and motivate young talents.

By Narendra Chaudhary Nov 24, 2025, 02:19 IST

Saina Nehwal's Commitment to Indian Badminton

New Delhi, November 23: Olympian badminton player Saina Nehwal has voiced her ambition to uplift Indian sports and motivate young athletes, particularly in badminton. She acknowledged the emerging talent among the youth, stating that while seasoned players like herself and P.V. Sindhu possess greater strength, the new generation showcases impressive skills that just need enhancement in power and rally techniques.

During the launch of the "A Racquet's Second Life" initiative, Nehwal commended the recent achievements of young players such as Tanvi Sharma at the World Junior Championships and Lakshay Sen at the Australian Open, indicating that these successes reflect India's positive trajectory in sports.

"I genuinely wish for India to excel in all sports. If I can contribute to society by inspiring youngsters to pursue badminton, it would mean a lot to me. We are certainly making progress," Nehwal shared with the media.

She added, "While Sindhu and I may have been stronger players, the upcoming generation is exceptionally talented. They need to focus on enhancing their power play and rally skills, but I am confident they will succeed, as evidenced by the recent performances of Tanvi and Lakshay, who won the Australian Open today."

Nehwal emphasized that the Olympics may be some time away, but there are numerous Super Series events to compete in, encouraging players to maintain their rankings and perform well.

She praised Yonex Sunrise's initiative, describing it as a crucial step towards promoting badminton in India. Nehwal highlighted that donating used racquets can significantly benefit children and aspiring athletes from underprivileged backgrounds who struggle to afford costly equipment.

"The Racquet's Second Life initiative by Yonex Sunrise and Legends Vision is a commendable effort to foster the sport in India. Donating racquets can help those who cannot afford them, especially at the grassroots level in towns and villages, and among lower-income families," Nehwal concluded.