Superb Saina scales historic World No 1 ranking

New Delhi, March 28

Saina Nehwal created history on Saturday when she became the first Indian woman shuttler to attain the world number one ranking after her closest challenger for the spot, Spain's Carolina Marin, lost in the India Open Super Series semifinal here.

Though the official rankings will be announced only on Thursday next week, the 25-year-old Indian has been assured of her ascent to the top owing to Marin's loss in the last-four stage.

The reigning world champion, who was seeded second, lost to third seed Thai Ratchanok Intanon 21-19 21-23 22-20.

While Prakash Padukone had the distinction of being the No 1 men's badminton player, no Indian woman has come close to the mark.

While Saina will play Japan's Yui Hashimoto in the second semifinal later on Saturday, the Indian ace will be No. 1 regardless of the march’s result.

The London Olympic bronze-medallist has won a staggering 14 international titles in her glorious career and most recently she became the first Indian woman to make the finals of the prestigious All England Championships in Manchester.

President, PM laud Saina’s achievements

President Pranab Mukherjee and Prime Minister Narendra Modi today congratulated Saina Nehwal for the becoming the first Indian woman shuttler to attain the world number one ranking in badminton, and wished her more success in future.

“Congrats Saina Nehwal on becoming World no 1 in Badminton; well deserved honour; best wishes for Indian Open Semi Final,” Mukherjee wrote on his twitter handle.

PM Modi wrote, “The phenomenal accomplishments of @NSaina make us very proud. I congratulate her on being the World Number 1.” — PTI