I don't want to compare myself with anybody: Saina Nehwal

Ace shuttler Saina Nehwal created a stir when she expressed her unhappiness at not receiving the promised '50 lakh for her 2012 Olympic bronze. Well, the 'hurt' and 'sadness' has now been replaced by 'happiness' as Saina will receive the pending '50 lakh, and an additional amount of '20 lakh from the new government! In an exclusive, the Hyderabadi shuttler talks about it all.Excerpts:
The chief minister met all the Commonwealth Games winners on Wednesday. You did not participate in the Games, yet you attended Wednesday's meeting…
Yes, I did. The chief minister's office had asked me to come over, so I went. Yes, the meeting was with the CWG participants, but my cash award of '50 lakh was also pending, right? Moreover, for winning the Australian Open, the government wanted to give me a cash reward. So I will be getting both, the pending '50 lakh, as well as an additional '20 lakh this Independence Day.
Are you happy to be receiving the additional '20 lakh?
Of course I am happy to get my Olympic cash reward. Since I won the Australian Open Series, I am getting a bonus of '20 lakh. And I am always happy when I win. Show me one person who will not be happy if they get money for doing well?
Did you ever ask the previous government to give you the money that they had promised?
Yes, I asked them many times. But I guess since the state was facing problems with bifurcation then, the government didn't give much importance to my issue. I felt bad. How long could I wait for such a big award? It's been two years... Winning an Olympic medal is a dream for every sportsperson. And when I achieve this dream, I don't get my reward…
You were really upset when you posted your displeasure about the pending money…
es, I was upset with the previous government for keeping the Olympic cash award pending. It's such a big thing for a player to get monetary reward, because we earn by playing well. Moreover, this reward was for the Olympic medal. Now, winning a medal in Olympics is not an easy task and only those who have won, will know its importance and what it is to be rewarded for such a big event. It gives a player extra motivation to do well. I have been playing and winning despite having a tough time with my injuries. I play singles, and it's even more challenging, because we don't have many singles players. I have been on top for long. This shows my hard work. So, when you don't get what you're promised, despite bringing laurels, it hurts. I would like to thank KCR sir and KTR sir for being so positive and immediately agreeing to give me the cash award. This only shows that the new government cares about sportspersons. And the fact that they have made Sania Mirza the brand ambassador for Telangana goes on to prove that point.
Talking about Sania, were you hurt that the new government announced ' 1 crore for her, but ignored you?
I don't want to compare myself with anybody. I was hurt about the fact that my cash award has been pending for the longest time. Since Sania, a sportsperson was chosen as the brand ambassador for the new government, I thought maybe, I should just request for my award that was promised. It makes me happy that sports is getting encouragement. Sania is my senior and she is doing well in tennis. So, it's fine that she is getting '1 crore. As far as I am concerned, I just want to play for my state and country and bring as many medals as possible.
But was the timing to ask for the cash reward correct?
It was just an emotional moment. I am a human being after all. At that moment, I felt that she (Sania) is a sportsperson and when sports is being given importance, why don't I bring up my issue as well? What's wrong in asking for what you deserve and what had been promised? I didn't really say anything to anyone. I am glad they were quick to address my issue and meet me.
Well, Sania later spoke in your favour. Did that help in finally being heard out?
It was very nice of her to speak for me and address the issue. She is a sportsperson herself and understands what we go through. I don't have a job. I come from a middle-class family. My father is a scientist. I had to quit studies because I wanted to achieve something in badminton. I never thought I would reach this level, but I have, only because I worked hard, broke my leg and reached where I am today. I trained even when I had fever. I was running high temperature just a week before we were set to play at the Olympics. I never thought I could play in that condition, but I did and won a medal. I cried of pain, but I still played. Badminton is a physically demanding sport. My parents were apprehensive about my future, because in badminton, players don't get much recognition. But I have been in the top 5 for more than five years now. I am proud of it. I never saw anyone winning seven super series titles and being runner up four times. So, I felt bad that I worked hard but couldn't get that cash award.
People say you're going to focus on tournaments which have monetary rewards...
If that was the case, then I should have been at CWG, and won a lot of money. You see, it's not about money - it's about how fit you are to participate in the tournament. I was injured after the Australia Open. So, I thought I should take some time off to prepare for upcoming events. At this stage, I want to focus on my fitness and how to better my game. If I do well and win, I will get money.
But in CWG, players only get medal, not money…
Yes. But after you win a medal, the country celebrates by giving you cash awards, na. So, we get a lot of money after winning medals.