Saina Nehwal Sounds Alarm: Indian Women's Badminton Lacks Power and Depth

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Badminton legend Saina Nehwal expressed concerns about the current state of Indian women's singles badminton, citing a lack of power and depth in the game. Speaking at the Siri Fort Sports Complex, where she won several titles, Saina noted that while there are young players showing promise, they lack the powerful attacking game that defined the likes of herself, PV Sindhu, and other international stars. Saina, who was in town for the Legends' Vision Legacy Tour India, said that the current crop of players is good at executing rallies, but lacks the ability to deliver powerful smashes. She attributed this to a shift in the game's style, where players are focusing more on endurance and less on powerful attacks. The issue is not unique to India, as other countries like China, South Korea, and Japan are also experiencing a transition phase. However, Saina believes that with time and experience, the young players will develop the skills needed to compete at the highest level. Saina pointed to Unnati Hooda, 18, Tanvi Sharma, 16, and Anmol Kharb, 18, as examples of players showing promise. However, she emphasized that it's essential to give them time to develop and gain experience, as progress often happens between the ages of 20-23. In the men's singles, Saina expressed optimism about Lakshya Sen's potential, citing his ability to win tournaments when he plays at his best. However, she noted that consistency is key, and Lakshya needs to work on maintaining his level throughout the season. The comments from Saina and former world No.1 Peter Gade highlight the challenges that Indian badminton faces in finding the next generation of top players. While there are promising young players, it's clear that time and effort are needed to develop the skills and experience required to compete at the highest level.