ELLE IMPACT

A powerful initiative spotlighting the remarkable journeys of women who are boldly shaping their industries and redefining success on their own terms

- IPSITA KAUL, EKTA SINHA, MANSI SHAH, GEETIKA SACHDEV

Saina NEHWAL

Plagued by uncertainties and the daunting prospect of injuries disrupting one's uphill trajectory, the life of a sportsperson is not for the faint hearted. Enter Saina Nehwal, the first badminton player from India to clinch an Olympic medal. Her indomitable spirit and record-breaking stats lent the sport of badminton an entirely new direction in our nation, in turn inspiring millions of girls to tread down the path less traversed. Here's our conversation with the illustrious sports personality.

ELLE: What strategies do you employ to maintain physical and mental well-being during intensive training sessions?

Saina Nehwal (SN): In sports, you're pushing yourself physically for almost 8 to 10 hours a day. We need to be really careful of what we are eating, make sure we rest well, get good massages and create good conditions to allow for training of the body. This is essential to move freely and without injuries. We also play long hours and we've to keep our mind focused. You have to be ready to do that six days a week.

ELLE: In the competitive world of sports, how have your female friendships changed your life for the better?

SN: I play an individual sport so it's hard to make friends and tougher to keep them. When you're playing for so many hours, you hardly get time to go out much or communicate with too many people. Badminton is always on my mind. However, my biggest support systems are my mom and my sister.

ELLE: How do you regulate your mental health and not let it deteriorate despite the many hurdles life throws at you?