Budding badminton stars from across the UAE got the experience of a lifetime yesterday when they met recently-crowned world No1 Saina Nehwal of India at the Shuttle Time Dubai Schools Championship Finals.
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Nehwal, the first Indian woman to be ranked No1 in the sport, is here to promote the Dubai World Superseries Finals, which will be held in December, as well as generate interest in the Shuttle Time Dubai programme – a grassroots initiative aimed at developing the sport in the UAE.
The schools championship is part of the programme and Nehwal was at hand to present trophies and medals to the winners at Fitness First Meadows.
The 25-year-old later led the schoolchildren in a clinic, where she gave them tips and advice on how to progress in the game.
World number 1 @NSaina at the Shuttle Time Dubai School Champs #badminton pic.twitter.com/P4voVx4cQh
— Reem Abulleil (@ReemAbulleil) April 29, 2015
A second event will be held in the autumn, and players who accumulate the most ranking points from the two tournaments will win tickets to December’s
Superseries Finals, badminton kits, as well as spots in coaching clinics with former world No1 Peter Gade.
“I would like to thank the Badminton World Federation for giving me this opportunity to come here for the Shuttle Time Dubai School Championships,” said Nehwal, who rose to world No1 for the first time last March.
Addressing the children, she added: “It’s important to remember one thing – take care of your health and eat healthy.
“If I can achieve what I’ve achieved, coming from India, then why can’t you all?”
The runner-up in the U-17 category, Jenine Bedua, admits Nehwal is her idol.
“I was really nervous and I didn’t know what to do, but I did my best.
“It was an exciting competition, it’s a big experience and a pleasure for us to play here. It’s really been my dream to meet Saina. I’ve been practicing hard just to be like her and I watch all her games. I admire how humble she is.”
The Emirati Challenge, a category of the tournament dedicated to UAE youngsters from Dubai International School, saw Menwa Al Rawi triumph in the U-17 division, with Buthaina Al Khayat finishing as the runner-up.
— Saina Nehwal (@NSaina) April 28, 2015
“I’ve been playing badminton since I was 12 years old. I wasn’t as good, so practice makes perfect. I’ve gotten runner-up now, but insha’Allah in the future I can make first place,” said the 16-year-old Al Khayat.
“I feel honoured to have had this prize given to me by the No1 badminton champion. It’s not every day you get to see a champion like that.
“I liked the diverse atmosphere of this competition. It’s really nice to see other people and their experiences and meet new people.
“Badminton isn’t a very popular sport here in the UAE and that’s why I think such events are really good, because it allows people to know more about badminton.”
