The World Number Five has made it a habit to excel as a shuttler and shine for India. With laurels and records galore, she is one of the best in what she does. At 22 however, it is not easy being Saina Nehwal. (AFP images)

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The World Number Five has made it a habit to excel as a shuttler and shine for India. She took the Olympic bronze medal, even if it was because her oppponent had to withdraw after the 1st game.

With laurels and records galore, she is one of the best in what she does. At 22 however, it is not easy being Saina Nehwal. (AFP images)

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Ankle and hamstring injury have bogged her and her game down in the past. She has re-surfaced time and again to prove that mortal wounds cannot keep her off the court for too long.

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The weight of expectations on her though is a different story. Saina told NDTV before she left for the London Olympics that she will play her best game and leave the worry of winning medals to others.

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The manner in which she has tackled her opponents so far in the Olympics shows that this 22-year-old is a champion, regardless of whether she wins medals or not.

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The focus on her game has only increased with the gradual exit of fellow players from their respective competitions.

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Saina though has not showed any weakness in her game despite talks of her 'on the fast-track' towards a medal. Her opponents have not been amateurs either.

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In the quarter-final for instance, she faced Tine Baun. An accomplished shuttler, Baun was brushed aside with disdain in straight sets. It may have looked it but in reality, such form requires extreme training and dedication.

So, here is saluting a champion who is a brave fighter and a true pioneer for the sport both in the country as well as globally.

Just for the record, she now has an Olympic medal to show for it.

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Olympics 2012 Photos

London Olympics: It is not easy being Saina Nehwal

The World Number Five has made it a habit to excel as a shuttler and shine for India. With laurels and records galore, she is one of the best in what she does. At 22 however, it is not easy being Saina Nehwal. (AFP images)