Saina true role model for aspiring sportspersons: Tendulkar

Sachin Tendulkar and other eminent sporting stars congratulated Saina Nehwal on becoming the first Indian woman shuttler to attain the world number one ranking in badminton.

Tendulkar hailed her as a "true role model" for aspiring sportspersons. 

"Congratulations to @NSaina on becoming the first Indian woman to be the World Number 1. Well done and keep smashing them on! A true role model for aspiring sports persons in the country," Tendulkar tweeted. Returning home after India's cricket campaign ended at the semi-final stage of the 50-over World Cup, Virat Kohli, also praised the fellow sportsperson for making the country proud.

"Congratulations @NSaina for becoming the first Indian woman shuttler to become World No.1! You have made us proud!," Virat said on twitter.

Saina's personal coach Vimal Kumar was also pleased at her wards accomplishment and urged the top shuttler to maintain consistency. 

"I am quite pleased. Now she needs to find consistency. So many events are coming up, showing consistency is the key," said Kumar. 

Saina scripted history by becoming the first Indian woman shuttler to reach the number one spot in world rankings, reaffirming her status as the country's most consistent performer in the international circuit. 

The 25-year-old, who has reached the final of the ongoing Yonex Sunrise India Open Super Series, zoomed to the top after her closest challenger for the position, Spain's Carolina Marin, lost in the semifinal. 

Rising Indian shuttler HS Prannoy, who lost out in the quarterfinals of the ongoing event, and former player Aparna Popat also hailed Saina's achievements at the highest level. 

President, PM laud Saina's achievements

Meanwhile, President Pranab Mukherjee and Prime Minister Narendra Modi today congratulated Saina Nehwal for the becoming the first Indian woman shuttler to attain the world number one ranking in badminton, and wished her more success in future. 

"Congrats Saina Nehwal on becoming World no 1 in Badminton; well deserved honour; best wishes for Indian Open Semi Final," Mukherjee wrote on his twitter handle. 

PM Modi wrote, "The phenomenal accomplishments of @NSaina make us very proud. I congratulate her on being the World Number 1."

Image: Saina Nehwal

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