Saina becomes explorer with political plunge, but Olympic preparations remain on course

Saina Nehwal's life has always been about doing one thing at one time. But her admiration for Prime Minister Narendra Modi seems to have broadened her vistas from just the badminton court into the political arena.

The badminton ace, who joined the BJP on Wednesday, will now be straddling not just one world but two.

The Olympic bronze medallist's much publicised entry into politics may have come as a surprise, but it will not come in the way of her preparation for this summer's Games in Tokyo.

"They said that she should continue her preparation for the Olympics as it is a separate field, and God willing, she will qualify. But, whenever the party needs her for campaigning or something, she can keep providing the support," her father Harvir Singh told PTI.

"There is no hard line that she can't do this or that. They have admitted her in the party and asked her to just give her best."
Asked if she will campaign for BJP before the Delhi elections, Harvir said: "May be if there is a requirement. There will be discussions and as the party says, she will do it."
"Saina is not playing any tournament right now, including the PBL (Premier Badminton League), so she has the time now. If they call her, she will definitely come. That is something the party will decide."