Saina a natural successor to Aparna, feels badminton fraternity

New Delhi, Jun 1 (UNI) She proved scaling dizzy heights is not a matter of altitude but attitude and post-Philippines Open triumph, the badminton fraternity anointed Saina Nehwal as the natural successor to Aparna Popat.

Talking to UNI here last night, former national coach Vimal Kumar said, ''Saina's triumph in the four-star event is another watershed. Prakash Padukone made waves when he won the All-England Championship and same with (Pullela) Gopichand when he won it in 2001. Saina's feat is equally overwhelming.

''She is probably not the best talent but I'm surprised by her attitude. She is fearless, has scant regard for opponent's reputation and goes out to play her natural game,'' he added.

Mr Kumar, who paved way for Gopichand as the new national coach yesterday, was also convinced that Saina's Philippines Open triumph was no fluke.

''It was not fluke at all. She was peaking gradually and I think she is good enough to maintain the level. In the Asian Satellite last, she beat Aparna Popat and became champion. Then in the Melbourne Commonwealth Games, she beat world number 12 and 13. She has truly arrived on the scene,'' he opined.

Eight-time national champion Mahumita Bisht had no doubt that Saina would replace a past-her-prime Aparna as the new face of Indian women badminton.

''I mean Aparna has served the nation with distinction and her career is not over yet. But Saina has announced her arrival and I think she'll continue to dominate the scene.

''I have seen her in the Commonwealth Games and she is never over-awed by the opponent or the occasion. She's hardworking, good student of the game and a quick learner. She has age on her side and above all, she has Gopichand as her coach,'' she said.

Madhumita, who had a three-decade-old career before she called it a day, sticks to her stance despite Saina losing in the qualifying rounds of the Indonesia Open.

''The Philippines Open was a four-star event while it was a six-star tourney in Indonesia. You have all the top players vying for top honours there. So I don't read much in the early defeat and provided she does not let the success go to her head, Saina is here to stay,'' she added.

Vimal Kumar also echoed her view that the attention might turn a digression for the Hyderabadi teenager.

''Everyone is not Sachin Tendulkar who remains sane even amid the adulation and Saina is just 16 and I just pray it does not derail her,'' he said.

A proud coach, Gopichand said he has no illusion about Saina but the teenager is capable of even bringing more.

''She is clearly not the best talent around and it may sound odd but talent alone can't guaranty success. It takes much more than that. You have to mould the talent and make the player believe in himself or herself,'' Gopichand said.

''Saina is a fighter to the core and always eager to learn the ropes. She is a very good coaching material,'' he added.

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