Saina Nehwal Reflects on the Similarities Between Her and PV Sindhu's Badminton Success

Saina Nehwal shares insights on the similarities between her and PV Sindhu's badminton careers, emphasizing their aggressive play and resilience. Both athletes have made significant contributions to Indian badminton, achieving remarkable success on the world stage. Nehwal reflects on the importance of mindset and determination in their journeys, while also discussing Sindhu's recent performances and future prospects. This article delves into the shared traits that define their success and the impact they have had on the sport.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 25, 2026, 15:48 IST

Shared Traits of Success in Badminton

Although they hail from different generations, Saina Nehwal believes that the core attributes that led to her and PV Sindhu's achievements in badminton are remarkably alike. Both athletes exemplify aggression, resilience, and an unwavering determination to succeed. Saina, who earned a bronze medal at the 2012 London Olympics, reached the pinnacle of women's badminton by becoming World No. 1 in 2015. Throughout her distinguished career, she secured 10 Super Series titles, establishing herself as a leading figure on the BWF circuit, which later transitioned into the BWF World Tour.

Saina was the first Indian woman to break into a realm previously unexplored by her peers, earning two medals at the World Championships and two golds at the Commonwealth Games. Following in her footsteps, Sindhu has continued to elevate Indian badminton, clinching Olympic silver and bronze medals in 2016 and 2021, respectively, along with five World Championships medals, including a gold. She has also claimed five titles on the BWF World Tour.

In discussing Sindhu's gameplay and her sustained success, Saina emphasized the aggressive style that both players have embraced. She noted that Sindhu's physical advantages, such as her height and reach, provide her with a competitive edge. 'Both Sindhu and I have a strong attacking style. Her height is an advantage, and she has maintained excellent physical condition. I hope she continues to excel as she has in the past,' Nehwal stated during an event in Panchkula, Haryana.

Saina further elaborated on the importance of mindset in their careers, highlighting how their determination has set them apart from others. 'Next year, the ranking points will change to 15x3, which will certainly benefit players. The key quality that has helped both Sindhu and me is our 'never-give-up' attitude; our rallying and smashing skills have always been strong,' she added.

Sindhu, who won gold at the Commonwealth Games in 2022, recently competed at the Thailand Open, where she was eliminated in the quarterfinals by Akane Yamaguchi. Following this event, she withdrew from the Malaysia Masters, a tournament that holds fond memories for her, having won the title in both 2013 and 2016.