PHOTOS: Saina on Cloud 9 after IAF aircraft sortie

London Olympics bronze medallist shuttler Saina Nehwal experienced the thrill of flying in an Indian Air Force aircraft, and described the experience as "dream come true".

She flew in a 'Kiran Jet Trainer' for about 20 minutes, after taking off from the training academy in Dindigul on the outskirts of Hyderabad.

"It's a great honour. It was dream come true for me to fly. Everyone in their childhood dream of joining either Air Force or Army. We dream of becoming one of them.

"I never thought I would get an opportunity to fly. It was such a great experience. This encourages me to do even better in badminton," Saina told reporters after the sortie.

Asked how she felt while on board, the ace badminton player said, "I was a little scared but when I was up I felt happy. He (the pilot) took me into the clouds... I was nervous but happy," adding, it was like a video game.

Stating that she enjoyed herself thoroughly, Saina said, "I was a bit scared first, because I never did that before, but I was feeling good when I was in the sky. I really enjoyed. Sir (pilot) told me that I will take you in a fighter plane (next time)."

Replying to a query, Saina said it was when she was inside a cloud that she enjoyed the most while flying.

Saina later watched an exhibition basketball match among the cadets of the Academy and also interacted with them.

The pilot, Group captain, N Kapoor, who flew Saina, complimented her but admitted she was initially nervous.

Saina was briefed about the nuances of flying and cockpit familiarisation before getting into the aircraft.

She was the guest of honour at the closing ceremony of the academy's sports week. The visit was aimed at inspiring the young cadets to achieve their goals.

In recent years, the IAF has been honouring sportspersons for their achievements in their respective fields and granted them honorary ranks too.

Sachin Tendulkar was made an honorary Group Captain by the IAF last year and along with Mahendra Singh Dhoni, was offered a sortie in frontline fighter aircraft SU-30MKI.

However, the offer made by then IAF Chief Air Chief Marshal P V Naik, has not been availed by the two cricketers so far.