New Delhi: Badminton champion Saina Nehwal joined the ruling BJP on Wednesday in the presence of party’s national general secretary Arun Singh.
Nehwal wishes to work hard like PM Modi
“I have won medals for the country. I am very hard working and I love hardworking persons. I can see Prime Minister Narendra Modi does so much for the country, I want to do something for the country with him,” the shuttler said, wearing the BJP scarf.
“I draw a lot of inspiration from Narendra sir”.
Nehwal’s sister Chandranshu too joined BJP. Both the sisters met BJP Chief JP Nadda soon after joining the party.
To campaign for Delhi elections
Haryana-born Saina Nehwal, 29, is likely to campaign for the party ahead of the February 8 Delhi election. Being one of the most popular sportspersons in India with a huge fan following and brand value, Nehwal may be a major acquisition for the party in the middle of the Delhi poll campaign. She is also preparing for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
A former world number 1, she has been honored with the country’s top sporting awards like the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna and Arjuna Award. She was also awarded the Padma Bhushan in 2016.
The Badminton player has won over 24 international titles. In the London Olympics, she won a bronze. She was world number two in 2009 and number one in 2015.
The BJP roped in many famous personalities last year, including cricketer Gautam Gambhir, who was elected MP from Delhi in the national election, and wrestler Babita Phogat. Just before the Haryana assembly polls, the party roped in wrestler Sushil Kumar, Babita Phogat and former Hockey team captain Sandeep Singh. Sandeep Singh won the election and was appointed minister.