Saina is a Miracle that happened to me--Harveer Singh Nehwal

Research Team Of University Of Delhi- Dharmendra Kumar, Smita Mishra, Arjun J Chaudhuri, Haveer Singh Nehwal

Saina is the first Indian to win a medal in Badminton at the Olympics. She achieved this feat by winning the Bronze medal at the London Olympics 2012. She is the first Indian to win the World Junior Badminton Championships. Saina was also the first Indian to win a Super Series tournament.Saina Nehwal foray into the world of badminton was influenced by her father Dr. Harvir Singh, a scientist at the Directorate of Oilseeds Research, Hyderabad. Sportskreeda Editor Smita Mishra interviewed him at his office in Hyderabad .

S.M.-Sir, tell us something  about  the journey of Saina.

Mr.Nehwal- I got the offer from Agriculture University, Hyderabad. Decision of leaving Hissar was very tough for me .Elder daughter was in 8^th class and Saina was in 4^th .I was also in a better phase of my career. But somehow   I took a decision and joined Oil and Seed development department   on  1^st April  1998 at Hyderabad. I took almost one month to settle down mentally. Saina spent her growing years in Hyderabad. Saina completed her schooling at Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan's Vidyashram, NIRD campus, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad.Saina  has a brown belt in Karate. However, she quit Karate at the age of 8, when she was asked to have a motorcycle run over her stomach. She practised Badminton in Badminton Court of Faculty Club of CCS HAU located in the University itself Saina was not good so good in studies. But she was performing brilliant in Badminton. After she had passed 11^th standard lots of offer for admission in MBBS and engineering came for her. But we decided let her focus on badminton only. I had sacrificed my cadre too. We had adjusted our whole schedule according to her training. Today when I look back then I feel how swiftly time has gone.
Today Saina is Executive Sports in Bharat Petroleum .Badminton legend Mr. Prakash  Padukone  interviewed me for Saina’s job. At the age of 14 Saina joined Bharat Petroleum as fellow. In 2008 at the age of 18 she became executive sports. Though in 2008 govt. of Haryana also offered her the post of DSP but we thought all facilities lies in Hyderabad.
I am happy you are doing research on Saina. I will feel very proud if any single child could be protected through this platform. If one girl follow Saina it will give me biggest contentment in my life.

S.M.-  In Saina  formative  years how you and her mother handle her in terms of  love nutrition and care. As today’s parents are over protects which draw negative impact?

 
Mr.Nehwal- One has to wait, parents should have patience. Hard work does not pay immediate. They have to wait you have to sacrifice. As in our case our elder daughter suffers a lot. As we could not focus her needs. She had to manage home. She left her studies.  We structured our schedule according to Saina’s training. Mother used to go in the morning with Saina to L.B. stadium for training. I joined them in evening after office hours. On the way returning back home we used to shop households, vegetables, etc. we accompanied her just to protect her with any anti-social elements. I am here for 14 years but I have not seen any part of Hyderabad. Whenever some near and dear visited to Hyderabad , I used to  send somebody from the office to escort them in sight-seeing. I had to manage her all travels in National or International tournaments. She always reached into finals, that why we also had to stay for whole tournaments. Due to Saina’s performance ,the local people started recognizing  and helping us .We tried to provide utmost consideration for her needs such as sporting kit, nutrition diet etc. We are proud that her school Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan's Vidyashram, where she studied, one block is named after her.

Exceptionally I have not seen this type of metaphorsis   that happened to me. When I came here I had one scooter. Today due to Saina, we are having many cars.

S.M.—How did you maintain balance between parental support and coaching support?

Mr.Nehwal -Today’s parents are very pushy. They expect results instantly from their children. Infect I have focused on my child growth and development. I have never interfered with the coaching schedule. I rarely interact to Gopichand except wishing him. We cannot expect results overnight. One need determination and dedication to achieve the goal. This is my personal appeal that parents should not expect quick results. If children do not get desired and effective results, they should not be disheartened.

At least they could get benefit of health and physical fitness, which will go long way for their health.

S.M.- How do you manage Saina’s hard earning wealth in a systematic economical way .

Mr .Nehwal- I have invested in Real Estate and commercial venture after seeking financial advice from experts. I know career span of the sports person is very short. We are trying our best to keep her future safe.