By Avishek Roy, IANS,
New Delhi : Commonwealth Games gold medallist Saina Nehwal Thursday said the women’s singles final against Malaysian Mew Choo Wong here was the toughest in her career.
“This is the toughest match I have ever played. I have never saved a match point before. It was tough for me to come back into the match after being a game down,” said Saina, after winning 19-21, 23-21, 21-13 in an edge-of-the-seat thriller Thursday before a capacity crowd at the Siri Fort Sports Complex.
Asked how difficult was it for her to make a comeback in the match, Saina said: “I was down matchpoint. But I did not lose hope. I am really happy I came back strong in the third. It was the final match.”
With the win, Saina created history by becoming the first Indian woman to win the singles gold in badminton and also took India past England to the second place in the medals tally. Legendary Prakash Padukone (1978) and the late Syed Modi (1982) were the two men players to win the singles gold in the Games.
“This is a great feeling. I am also happy about the fact that we gave the country two gold medals from badminton. I am also proud that the two gold medals helped India finish second in the Commonwealth Games at home,” she said.
“I am very happy that such a big event took place in India. Commonwealth Games happen just once in four years and people look forward excitedly to the Games. Now every body will remember that I won the gold in the Commonwealth Games. I am proud to perform and win in front my own countrymen,” she said.