The campus buzzed with excitement on October 14th as badminton icon and Olympic medalist Saina Nehwal visited KMC Manipal to inaugurate the Center of Excellence for Robotics. Following the ceremony, she headed to the Marena Sports Complex, where she toured the badminton and indoor courts, interacted with students, and took questions about her career and mindset.
During the interactive session, Saina spoke candidly about her journey from being a young player with big dreams to becoming World No. 1 and winning an Olympic bronze medal at the 2012 London Games. She shared how her daily routine revolves around discipline and how attention to detail, especially when it comes to nutrition, sleep, and recovery plays a crucial role in sustaining performance at the top level.
When asked about the mental side of sports, Saina said that talent alone is not enough. According to her, staying mentally strong during injuries, tough tournaments, or long training phases is what separates the good from the great. She explained that meditation, visualization, and a positive mindset help her stay composed under pressure.
Saina also spoke with gratitude about her parents, crediting them for being her biggest source of strength and encouragement. “They never stopped believing in me,” she said, urging students to value their support systems and stay grounded, no matter how far they go.
She reflected on the importance of consistency, hard work, and resilience, telling students that success rarely comes overnight. “You have to keep showing up, even on the days when you don’t feel your best,” she said. On the topic of setbacks, she admitted that losses and injuries can be emotionally draining, but emphasized the importance of patience and self-belief in overcoming them.
When asked about her favorite opponents, she smiled and mentioned players like Carolina Marin and Tai Tzu Ying, saying that facing them always pushes her to perform better. She also encouraged students to take up sports not just for competition, but for the confidence, discipline, and balance it brings to life.
Saina’s visit left students deeply inspired. Her warmth, honesty, and practical advice resonated with everyone in the room. An enduring message that success in any field, whether in sports, academics, or innovation, begins with dedication, consistency, and an unyielding will to rise.