Saina Nehwal

“Once you are satisfied with your goal, it is the real happiness.”

“When people say I have become a celebrity, I remind them of fame's flip side. For instance, if I want to watch a movie in a cinema, I have to enter through a side exit just before the film begins and leave by the same exit before the credits roll.”

“My philosophy is to not be scared of anyone. If I play well, great; if I don't, I learn from the match and move on.”

“I love winning more than I love playing badminton. Winning is everything.”

“Men are domineering in rural Haryana, and that shows in sport, too.”

“I really thank my parents for giving me the good sense to not get into anything wrong. There are many people around who like controversies, and I actually wonder how do they do it. I don't have the courage to get into controversies. There are people who love it; I find it silly.”

“I want to see more sports in schools.”

“Badminton will gain momentum in a big manner after my win in Olympics. More players will participate in the game now.”

“My uncles and other relatives are against encouraging girls in every aspect, and that includes sports. I hardly interact with them. My parents are more open. They back me all the way.”

“Badminton is not as glamorous as cricket.”

“Unlike most youngsters who have school as their 'second home' where they meet and make friends, for me playtime has been at the Gopichand Badminton Academy in Hyderabad. When I am not playing a tournament, my days are spent at the Academy with my coaches, physiotherapists and colleagues, who are like family. We laugh and have so much fun.”

“I have turned down so many endorsements. My phone never stops ringing.”

“I am a huge Bollywood fan, and my favourite actor of all time is Shah Rukh Khan.”

“I have always wanted an Olympic medal. I always wanted to see India's national flag going up at the podium.”

“Any girl who likes watching movies would like to work in them and would want to do all of that. I'm also one of them. But people know me for badminton and love me for it. So I'd stick to it right now. But maybe after badminton, I'll think about it.”

“My dream is to see India as a nation of well-looked-after and respected sportspeople in all fields.”

“Rankings are not so important. I am only focused on winning tournaments.”

“I don't think I have the ability or patience to teach badminton to others.”

“I cannot believe there is caste system in society; I cannot believe people are judged on the basis of their prosperity.”

“I never believed that India could win a medal in badminton because the competition is so tough.”