HYDERABAD: For Saina Nehwal, it is a big step forward in her childhood dream to be a world-beater in the world of badminton. The 17-year-old shuttler from Hyderabad has jumped to World No. 30 as per the latest IBF rankings released on Thursday.

Saina, with whom the Laxmi Mittal Sports Foundation has signed a long-term promotion deal, feels that the giant leap from No. 41 a week ago could not have a come at a more appropriate time as she was preparing for the World Championship in Spain later this month.

Grateful

"I believe that things are certainly looking up for me and I am grateful to Gopi anna (Pullela Gopi Chand) for his commitment and personal interest in ensuring that I get exposure to big events," she remarked in a chat with The Hindu.

Ultimate goal

This Hyderabadi shuttler, who was the youngest Indian to win the Asian Satellite championship a few months ago, also believes that she was a much better and faster player on the court now.

"The learning process is a continuous one and I want to keep improving as my ultimate goal is to win the All-England championship," says the Intermediate student of St. Ann's College in Mehdipatnam.

Talented

Gopi, the chief national coach, says that Saina has immense talent and it is only a question of one or two big wins hereafter, that should catapult her to a much-higher group.

"We are working on a number of areas to see that Saina becomes a more complete player. Her willingness to learn is a big asset and she is a very dedicated trainee," says the 2001 All-England champion.

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