Sachin Tendulkar gifts BMW car to London Olympics bronze medallist Saina Nehwal

Saina Nehwal received a BMW car for winning a bronze medal at the London Olympics from none other than batting legend Sachin Tendulkar, who said that the world is yet to see the best of the star shuttler, says a report in The Indian Express, adding that the felicitation function was organised by Vice President of Andhra Badminton Association Chamundeshwari Nath, who honoured the city girl by buying her the luxurious car.

"I am sure that she (Saina) is happy but not satisfied. We are also not satisfied because we know that you can go to greater heights. You have that ability with Gopi's guidance. There are better days ahead and as a sportsperson, you always try to believe that your best is yet to come," the iconic Indian batsman said at the felicitation function.

While announcing a BMW car for Saina and a car each for her coach P Gopichand and budding talent P V Sindhu, Sachin said, "I am quite confident that your best is yet to come and you will emerge victorious across the world and that is what we want".

Meanwhile The Hindu reports that Sachin also congratulated all the Olympic medallists. “I am sure that somewhere in India they will be hearing my voice. I congratulate them from the bottom of my heart,” he said. Saina said that she felt honoured to be in the presence of Sachin. “I am really nervous and can’t speak much. For, the ‘God of Cricket’ is here. This is a great inspiration for me,” she said.

Former Andhra Ranji captain V. Chamundeswaranath and his friends were also instrumental in presenting a Hyundai car to Pullela Gopi Chand and a Maruti Swift car to Asian under-19 badminton champion P. V. Sindhu. “The Olympic medal means a lot of dedication, hard work and vision. I should congratulate Saina’s father (Dr. Harvir Singh) who keeps sending me congratulatory messages every time I do well. This is a terrific achievement by her and you are greatly responsible for this along with Gopi,” Sachin said.

Meanwhile Saina Nehwal Deccan Herald in an interview that life has change a lot after the bronze medal win at London Olympics. “The bronze medal changed a lot of things in my life. After this, more people have started recognising me. I have become like a legend (she laughs). It’s wonderful to win an Olympic medal. I feel great for the love and affection from the people. Life has become sweeter now. It’s a dream of every player to win an Olympic medal and I am also one of them. Now, I have something to show for my hardwork. I will work harder and try harder and give my best effort to win more laurels to the country. When you play well, more people will notice and you win more fans, so obviously, the expectations will be higher. But I am used to it now and enjoy every moment of it. I learned to handle the pressure of expectations.”