Beijing, May 30: Indian badminton star Saina Nehwal said the quarter-final defeat at the Beijing Olympics made her strong and the dream of winning an Olympic medal could be realised in London next year.

Saina, who participated in Sudirman Cup a few days back, said she was hopeful of winning a medal at Beijing in 2008.

"I was very disappointed. I really wanted to win the tournament. Although I was young I always had the feeling that I could reach the finals. So when I played the quarterfinals, I kept thinking of the semifinals. Then I went blank," Sania said.

"It happens sometimes and that tournament really made me strong. Now it is my dream to win the London Olympics, I think I'm on the way, but there is a lot of work to do," Saina told China Daily.

The Hyderabadi said playing against some top players in the world would be the best preparation for London Olympics.

"One year is a very long time. We will see how my ranking goes. I just want to play against the top players now, to beat them and gain confidence," she said.

Saina had recently beaten China's world number three Wang Xin in the quarterfinals of the Sudirman Cup and said she does not care about the reputation of her rivals.

"I have nothing to lose. I just try to give my best. And when I give my best, I always have the feeling that I can beat anyone. I just don't get scared by anyone," she said.

PTI