Badminton: Saina Nehwal has a shot at becoming World No 1. Cheer for her?

Rarely does an Indian sportsperson reach the summit of an Olympic sport. World No 1 is a status that brings with it great awe and reverence. Saina Nehwal is chasing that elusive number right at home this week, during the Yonex Sunrise India Open at the Siri Fort Sports Complex in the capital.

Saina has blossomed from a precociously talented teenager to a world renowned shuttler who has earned laurels for the country on the international stage.

With her fierce determination and courageous display, the Hyderabad-based player has almost single-handedly changed the contours of the game in India.

She has challenged the Chinese domination in badminton, quite like the legendary Prakash Padukone did in his heyday in the '80s when the dragon nation was coming up as an irresistible force. Padukone carved his name in golden letters in Indian sport winning the prestigious All England title in 1980 and subsequently becoming the World No 1. He was a trailblazer in many ways and his achievements have become a point of reference in our sporting history.

Saina has charted her own course with great resolve and distinction. She has many firsts to her name; the Olympic bronze medal is like a jewel in her crown of international successes. She is only 25 but has been playing at the top level for almost a decade now. Following her path, now there is a steady line of shuttlers who are earning plaudits for India. There is no dearth of children who wants to take up badminton and emulate Saina.

She came close to the coveted position once when she was World No 2 in 2010, but could not sustain her form. This time she has a golden opportunity to make it count.

After reaching the final of the prestigious All England championship, Saina matched her career-best ranking of World No 2. With Olympic champion and World No 1 Li Xuerui of China skipping the event, Saina is in with a bright chance to overtake her.

In badminton, the World No 1 position has been tightly protected by China. Their strong foundation, highly structured and scientific training programmes, coupled with world-class infrastructure, help them create an assembly line of champions. For any other player to break into their domain is as daring a challenge as catching a raging bull by the horn. Saina has been able to do that successfully in her career. It will only be a poetic justice if she is able to attain her long cherished dream of becoming world's numero uno.

But nothing comes easy in life, more so in sport where hardwork and talent are not the only ingredients ones needs to fight an opponent. Top level sport is a supreme test of one's mental and physical prowess. It can be excruciatingly demanding and equally unforgiving. In between Saina and her No 1 crown will stand badminton's new sensation - Carolina Marin, the current world and All England champion. The Spaniard is World No 4 but has the prospects of staking her claim to the spot during the tournament. In a short time, she has created a furore at the world stage with her dazzling display. Left-handed Carolina and Saina have played some tough battles recently and the Spaniard has made her intentions clear of taking up the challenge.

In a few days we will know who wins this intriguing battle for the World No 1 in badminton.