Power Trendsetter: Saina Nehwal

Holding to her credit many firsts (the first Indian after Prakash Padukone — and the first Indian woman — to become world number one in badminton, and to win the World Junior Badminton Championships and a Super Series tournament), Saina Nehwal has been in high spirits of late. The latest addition to this ace hitter’s accolades is a Padma Bhushan awarded earlier this year.

True power: “With regard to humans, it is the capability with which one sees, analyses and tackles the important jobs in life.”

On paving new paths: “I am extremely happy and I feel great pride in knowing that I am inspiring both girls and boys in India and motivating them to seek careers in sports.”

Road ahead: “I am happy to have achieved a lot in my chosen sport, but I feel like there are several things yet to be accomplished in life, and that desire motivates me to do better in my field.”

Fave muses: “Sachin Tendulkar and Roger Federer.”

Read about our next power woman, Vinita Gupta.