'Belief, Preparation Can Change The Course Of..' Sachin Tendulkar Lauds Saina Nehwal On 'Inspirational' Career

Last Updated:January 22, 2026, 15:30 IST

Tendulkar pointed out Nehwal's consistency, dedication, and courage for her solid representation of the national tricolour at the very top of badminton for nearly two decades.

Saina Nehwal, Sachin Tendulkar.

Legendary Indian batsman Sachin Tendulkar showered praise on ace Indian badminton star Saina Nehwal, who called time on her illustrious career earlier in the week.

Tendulkar pointed out Nehwal’s consistency, dedication, and courage among other facets that helped her script history for the national tricolour at the very top of badminton for nearly two decades.

“Dear Saina, your career is proof that greatness is built one day at a time, with patience, courage, and consistency," Tendulkar’s post began.

“You carried Indian badminton to the world stage and showed that belief, when matched with preparation, can change the course of a sport. Beyond the medals lies your greatest achievement."

“Inspiring young athletes across the country to believe that global success is possible. Every sporting journey evolves, and while one phase ends, another begins," the legendary batter added.

“One where your experience, perspective, and love for the game will continue to guide many. Thank you for everything you’ve given to Indian sport. Your influence will be felt for generations," the post concluded.

The Tokyo Olympics bronze medalist is also a multi-time Commonwealth Games gold-winner, in addition to her podium finishes in the World Championships, Asian Games, Asian Championships and the World Junior Championships.

Nehwal is the first Indian to reach the No.1 spot in the world rankings as she scaled the summit in the year 2015, in addition to becoming the the first Indian woman to win a badminton medal at the Olympics with her stupendous showing at the Tokyo Games where she ended with a bronze.

Nehwal is the only Indian to win two medals at the BWF World Junior Championships. She first won silver at the 2006 Incheon Champs, losing to Wang Yihan, 2012 London Olympics silver medallist. At the 2008 edition, she beat Japan’s Sayaka Sato to win gold. Saina went on to win bronze at the 2012 Olympics.

News sports badminton 'Belief, Preparation Can Change The Course Of..' Sachin Tendulkar Lauds Saina Nehwal On 'Inspirational' Career

Read More