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Sachin gifts BMW to shuttler Saina

Saina Nehwal on Sunday received a brand new BMW car for winning a bronze medal at the London Olympics from none other than batting legend Sachin Tendulkar, who said that the world is yet to see the best of the star shuttler.

The felicitation function was organised by Vice President ofAndhra Badminton Association Chamundeshwari Nath, who honoured the city girl bybuying her the luxurious car.

"I am sure that she (Saina) is happy but not satisfied.

We are also not satisfied because we know that you can go togreater heights. You have that ability with Gopi's guidance.

There are better days ahead and as a sportsperson, youalways try to believe that your best is yet to come," the iconic Indianbatsman said at the felicitation function.

While announcing a BMW car for Saina and a car each for hercoach P Gopichand and budding talent P V Sindhu, Sachin said, "I am quiteconfident that your best is yet to come and you will emerge victorious acrossthe world and that is what we want".

Heaping praises on Saina, Tendulkar said,"Whatever Ihave seen of her there is no drama involved, it's just quality badminton andthat is what you expect from a sportsperson.

After winning (bronze medal) also, she has not got carriedaway and that's the beauty of being a champion sport person".

Saina gave India its first-ever medal in badminton atOlympics when her Chinese opponent withdrew from the bronze medal play-offafter injuring her knee.

"This medal means a lot for India, I am sure this medalhas not come without dedication, hard work, focus and having a vision,"Tendulkar said.

Congratulating all the medal winners, he said it was"terrific" for India at London. "You all deserve praise and goodthings that are coming your way," he added.

Responding to the accolade, Saina said she had waited forher Olympic moment since her childhood days.

"I dreamt of being a Olympic champion at the age of9...It is unbelievable to have won the medal. I am so happy. I should thankGopi sir for making it possible. He really worked hard with me for many years.

"Myself winning the first medal will really change alot of things for badminton in India and I am sure we shall have lot moremedals in future. I hope badminton becomes one of the most popular games, thoughmay not be like cricket, in our country," Saina said.

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Laxman should have got more recognition: Srikkanth

Paying glowing tributes to Indian cricketer VVS Laxman, who quit international cricket on Saturday, selection committee chairman Krishnamachari Srikkanth on Sunday said that the just-retired batsman should have got more recognition for his match-winning performances for the country.

PTI
Published Aug 20, 2012, 7:10 AM IST
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Laxman on Sunday decided to walk into the sunset withimmediate effect despite being picked in the Indian squad for the two-matchTest series against New Zealand starting at his hometown in southern Indiancity of Hyderabad on August 23 and Srikkanth said he respected his decision toretire."Laxman is one of the greatest cricketers. He has wonso many matches for India. He has won tremendous matches for India from no winsituations. He should have got more recognition for his…

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