Saina Nehwal Reflects on Sports and Recognition of Athletes
- Saina Nehwal received backlash for not knowing about Olympic javelin before Neeraj's win.
- Trolls called her 'Kangana Ranaut Of Indian Sports' for her admission.
- Nehwal responds to the criticism by defending her lack of knowledge on the sport.
In a recent post on her X account, Indian badminton star Saina Nehwal expressed her gratitude for a compliment from actress Kangana Ranaut, acknowledging her beauty while emphasizing her own achievements in sports. Nehwal proudly highlighted her accomplishments, including reaching world number one and winning an Olympic medal, asserting that excelling in sports is far more challenging than commenting from the sidelines. She also praised javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra, calling him a "superstar" who has significantly popularized athletics in India. During an interview, Nehwal shared her initial ignorance about javelin throw, admitting that she only became aware of the sport after Chopra's success. She noted that gaining knowledge about different sports often comes from exposure, stating, "You'll gain knowledge only when you see it." Nehwal reflected on her own experience, acknowledging that her focus on badminton limited her awareness of other athletic disciplines, including javelin. She further explained that while athletes may not intentionally overlook other sports, their dedication to their own field often leaves little time for exploration of different areas. Nehwal emphasized the importance of being proficient in one's own sport, suggesting that this focus is sufficient for an athlete's career. Her comments highlight the challenges athletes face in balancing their commitment to their sport with the need to stay informed about others.