I never lost hope: Saina Nehwal

Commonwealth Games gold medallist Saina Nehwal said she never lost hope despite a set down as she went on to win the gold Thursday in the final of the women’s singles against Malaysian Mew Choo Wong.

Saina said it was the toughest match of her career. She won 19-21, 23-21, 21-13 in a thrilling encounter before a capacity crowd at the Siri Fort Sports Complex.

“I was really tensed. I was down a matchpoint. But I never lose hope. I am really happy I came back strong in the third. It was the final match.”

“This is the toughest match I have ever played. I have never saved a match point before. It was tough for me come back into the match after being a game down,” she said.

Saina created history by becoming the first Indian woman to win the singles gold in badminton and also took India past England to the second place in the medal’s tally.

Legendary Prakash Padukone (1978) and the late Syed Modi (1982) were the two men players to win the singles gold in the Games.

“This is a great feeling. I am also happy about the fact that we gave the country two gold medals from badminton. I am also proud that the two gold medals helped India finish second in the Commonwealth Games at home,” she said.

“I am very happy that such a big event took place in India. Commonwealth Games happen just once in four years and people look forward excitedly to the Games. Now every body will remember that I won the gold in the Commonwealth Games. I am proud to perform and win in front my own country,” she said.