Saina Nehwal Joins BJP, Attributes PM Modi As Inspiration Behind Serving Nation

Sources said that the Haryana-born shuttler will be formally inducted into the party in the presence of BJP chief Jagat Prakash Nadda.

Image: Twitter/ @NSaina

New Delhi: Star Indian shuttler Saina Nehwal took a plunge into Indian politics by joining the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Wednesday in the presence of Party's National General Secretary Arun Singh. Nehwal's sister also joined the BJP.  The 29-year-old badminton player will also be a part of the poll campaigning of the saffron party for the forthcoming Delhi Assembly elections. BJP National General Secretary Arun Singh, said India is proud of Nehwal who brought laurels for the country. “She won bronze medal in the 2012 London Olympics. It was the first time that an Indian won an Olympic medal in badminton. She has also won gold medal in Commonwealth Games,” said Singh.

Saina Nehwal's sister Chandranshu also joined BJP https://t.co/UwmOe8Hify pic.twitter.com/29BDF4G2QW

— ANI (@ANI) January 29, 2020

"I have won medals for the country. I am a very hardworking and I love hardworking persons. I can see Prime Minister Narendra Modi does so much for the country, I want to do something for the country with him," the shuttler said, wearing the BJP scarf. "I draw a lot of inspiration from Narendra sir". Sources said that the Haryana-born shuttler will be formally inducted into the party in the presence of BJP chief Jagat Prakash Nadda. The induction of Nehwal into the party right at the time when campaigning for the Delhi polls is at its peak, is said to be a major acquisition for the BJP. Saina had tweeted a picture of her with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his birthday.

Dear @narendramodi sir wish u a very happy birthday ???????? pic.twitter.com/RmepmGdIOQ

— Saina Nehwal (@NSaina) September 17, 2019

Nehwal, who is currently ranked at 8^th position, is credited for increasing the popularity of badminton in India. She was the first Indian woman shuttler to achieve the World No.1 ranking. Nehwal became the first Indian female shuttler to win a bronze medal at the Summer Olympics. She has also clinched a silver and bronze for India at the BWF World Championships. The Hyderabadi girl has consistently medalled for India at the Asian and Commonwealth Games. In 2016, she was conferred with the Padma Bhushan – India's third highest civilian award. Previously, the nation's top two sporting honours, namely the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna and the Arjuna Award, were also conferred on her by the Government of India. Nehwal is a philanthropist and was ranked 18th on the list of most charitable athletes.