“When Neeraj won [the Tokyo gold in 2021], that’s when I got to know there is such an event in athletics,” Saina said during the podcast. Her statement surprised many fans and followers.
The response on social media was swift. Detractors questioned how a prominent athlete like Saina could be unaware of a major Olympic event. Some even labeled her the “Kangana Ranaut of sports,” referencing the controversial actress known for her outspoken views.
Saina Nehwal quickly responded to the criticism. She took to X (formerly Twitter) to address the comments and defended herself.
“Thanks for the compliment… Kangana is beautiful… but I had to be perfect in my sport and I proudly achieved world number 1 and an Olympic medal in badminton for my country,” Saina wrote. She further added, “Again I will say this: ‘Ghar pe bait ke comment karna easy hai, and sports khelna difficult.’ Neeraj is our superstar and he made the sport so popular in India.”
This incident highlights the challenges public figures face on social media, where even small comments can lead to significant scrutiny. Despite the criticism, Saina Nehwal’s response showcases her confidence in her achievements and recognizes the contributions of fellow athletes like Neeraj Chopra.
