Hyderabad : Going through a purple patch, Saina Nehwal has nothing to complain about her form and all the ace shuttler now wants is to steer clear of injuries so that she can give her best in the Commonwealth and Asian Games later this year.
"I only pray that I will be injury-free now to focus on World Championships and also the other two big events coming up - Delhi Commonwealth Games and the Asian Games in China," Saina said at a press conference.
"There are areas like my defence, which I need to improve in the days to come. The fitness level has to be really good. I think, the challenges are bound to be tougher especially after winning these titles," said Saina.
Saina recently rounded a hat-trick of international titles by defending Indonesian Open Super Series trophy in Jakarta.
Before winning in Jakarta, which was the 20-year-old's third Super Series title overall, Saina had won the Indian Open Grand Prix at home and the Singapore Open Super Series.
Saina was confident of claiming the top position in the world ranking but knows that she now has to work even harder to improve her ranking from number three to one.
"Now it is important for me to work harder and win the next international events rather than concentrating on the ranking. If I can become number three, then I can also become number one," she said.
"I enjoyed all the matches in the three tournaments. I was a little tired but confident that I could do it, I told myself that I am going to win. Finally I am happy to win three titles in a row. Now I want to win the upcoming tournaments," she added.
"Last year it was tough for me to win the Indonesian Open and it was something special as it was my first super series title. But the latest one is special because I have won three tournaments in a row." But the young Indian was not ready to compare herself with anyone and just want to fetch honours for the country.
"Definitely there is a lot more recognition now. I am happy with this but I don't want any comparison. I just want to make my country proud by winning," she said.
The Andhra Pradesh Badminton Association presented her a cheque for Rs 1 lakh for the rare achievement.
Saina's father Harvir Singh, who was also present at the occasion, appreciated his daughter for proving her mettle in the international circuit. PTI
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