Saina Nehwal, An Inspirational Biography, authored by TS Sudhir — a familiar face on NDTV for over 16 years — is the compelling story of the making of a champion. Sudhir, who now works full-time in the digital media space, believes a sportsperson epitomises India, and Saina’s story in particular has the potential to inspire future generations. Excerpts from an interview with Payal Ganguly:
From being a journalist to writing a book, how did the journey pan out?
I have been a journalist for 20 years now. This biography was the first assignment I took on after leaving NDTV. The idea was to challenge myself at one level. In news television, what you speak goes live on air, while in this case I began with the knowledge that the gestation period would be long. It required lot of patience and groundwork in terms of research and interaction.
Why did you choose a sportsperson as a subject?
Though I have not been a sports journalist, I follow different sports very closely and understand the dynamics of the game. To me, Saina Nehwal was a story that had to be told. It’s titled An Inspirational Biography and the book is really that.
The story of a sportsperson—especially in India—brings different elements into focus. The grit and determination needed, the standards of coaching, the atmosphere and the support at home, the big decision on whether to continue studies or dump it for sport, the fear of failure, the tears in defeat and the tears of joy. In many senses, it is a microcosm of India.
What makes Saina Nehwal a story waiting to be told?
Her passion for the game, the focus, discipline and obsessive hunger to win set her apart. Coupled with the great support structure at home and the relationship she shares with her guru, Pullela Gopichand, Saina’s story will inspire youngsters.
How did the idea germinate and what was the process that developed it into the book?
The idea to write a book on Saina was from my wife, Uma Sudhir, who is also a journalist. Before starting the book, I spent a lot of time reading other sport biographies to get a hang of what works and what does not. Though I have been tracking Saina since 2005, I had to do a lot of research.
While the focus of the book is Saina, it is also the story of Indian badminton in the last two decades which belongs as much to Gopi as it does to Saina. I have known Gopi for over 14 years and his presence in the book is very important, first as a player and then as coach.
Does Saina’s character have the makings of other greats in sports?
I guess in terms of focus, there would be many as disciplined and focused as Saina, whether it is Dravid, Laxman, Sachin or Vishy.
Chronicling Saina, is it her game or her attitude which comes through in the book?
Both. She has that never-say-die attitude which is so critical. She hates defeat. Most coaches told me that she had this maar doongi attitude when she was young. She loves to win. As a person, she still retains her humility and I credit her parents and Gopichand for that.
Talking about the sport, how crucial do you think is the role of the parents and the coach in shaping a talent like Saina?
It plays a very important role. Both her parents are badminton players and she is taking forward the sporting genes. Her mother is a disciplinarian and ensured Saina stayed focused in her early years. In many ways, Usha Rani has lived her dream through her daughter. Saina’s father Harvir Singh clipped promotions to his career to help Saina continue coaching in Hyderabad. Her coaches have played a significant role too. With Gopi now, she has a great chance to get an Olympic gold.
How did you conceptualise the book on Saina?
This is the first book on her so a lot of the material was around her performance in games. I wanted it to be a book on sports which holds the element of human interest and not a mere compilation of different matches she played. It is more about the person who wields that racquet on court and who is like the girl next door in real life.
How difficult is it to critically assess a sportsperson?
I believe this biography is an honest journalistic work. My intention is not to sit in judgment on Saina Nehwal. I have spoken to different people at different stages in her life who have known her and spoken about her. The book takes a detailed look at the state of Indian badminton today in the country. It also tells the readers where the sportsperson is coming from, her family and friends.
Any quirks about Saina you would like to share?
One interesting thing is that though Saina eats chicken, she is at heart still a vegetarian. For her, a scrumptuous meal is still rajma, dal and roti.
Is Saina the inspiration for then new India?
I really believe she is. At 22, she has achieved what few sportspersons in India have. She has another five years of the game left in her.
Do you think the book will click because it is a non-cricketing subject?
I believe we are in a month where there will be interest because of the Olympics. And Saina, particularly after her two recent triumphs in Thailand and Indonesia, is a serious medal prospect. Also this being the first book on her, with a number of hitherto unknown facts about her life, will make it an interesting read.
To what do you attribute Saina’s success against the tough competition from Chinese players?
One great quality about Saina is that she believes ‘fear is nothing’. She isn’t scared when she is up against the top-ranked Chinese. She will fight for every single point and won’t allow them to get an easy point off her. Charity does not begin at home with Saina! She has beaten some of the top Chinese players in recent times and that gives her a lot of confidence.