Hyderabad: Olympian shuttler Saina Nehwal lauded the rising sporting talent in Telangana while attending the closing ceremony of the Chief Minister’s Cup 2025. The former world No. 1 expressed pride in the growing participation and performance of athletes from the state, highlighting the positive impact of such initiatives on grassroots sports development.
Speaking at the event, Nehwal thanked the state government for inviting her and appreciated the efforts put into organizing the tournament. “I want to thank the Telangana government for inviting me to the closing ceremony of the Chief Minister’s Cup 2025. Congratulations to all the winners; they performed very well,” she said.
The event, held in Hyderabad, witnessed participation from numerous young athletes across different disciplines, reflecting the state’s increasing focus on promoting sports at all levels. Nehwal noted that the enthusiasm and dedication shown by players were encouraging signs for the future.
“I’m feeling very proud to see so many players coming from Telangana,” she added, emphasizing the importance of creating opportunities for young talent. According to her, platforms like the Chief Minister’s Cup play a vital role in identifying and nurturing athletes who can go on to represent the state and the country.
Nehwal also expressed hope that the momentum built through such events would translate into success at higher levels of competition. “I hope we will win more medals at the state, national, and international levels,” she said, underlining her confidence in the capabilities of emerging players.
Apart from reflecting on grassroots development, Nehwal also spoke about India’s prospects in the upcoming Uber Cup. She extended her best wishes to the Indian contingent, particularly star shuttler P. V. Sindhu, who is expected to play a key role in the tournament.
“I wish good luck to P.V. Sindhu and all the players,” Nehwal said. “They are experienced, and we hope for good results.”
The Uber Cup, one of the most prestigious tournaments in international badminton, features top women’s teams from around the world competing for the title. India has shown steady progress in recent years, with players like Sindhu leading the charge on the global stage.
Nehwal’s remarks reflect both her continued involvement in the sport and her commitment to encouraging the next generation of players. Having been one of the pioneers of Indian badminton’s rise on the international circuit, her words carry significant weight among young athletes.
Her presence at the Chief Minister’s Cup also served as a source of inspiration for participants, many of whom look up to her achievements and journey. From winning Olympic bronze to achieving the world No. 1 ranking, Nehwal has played a key role in shaping India’s badminton legacy.
Events like these not only celebrate current talent but also create an ecosystem where aspiring athletes can learn, compete, and grow. Nehwal’s interaction with players and her encouraging words added to the overall significance of the occasion.
As Telangana continues to invest in sports development and infrastructure, the participation of icons like Saina Nehwal is expected to further boost morale and motivation among young players. With strong grassroots support and experienced athletes guiding the way, the future of Indian badminton and other sports appears promising.
Her message was clear recognize talent, support it, and aim higher. With upcoming international challenges like the Uber Cup, the focus now shifts to delivering strong performances on the global stage while continuing to build a solid foundation at home.