New Delhi, December 15: Saina Nehwal’s rise at the international scene has been well excepted by everyone around the globe and the ace shuttler has left behind a number of sports heavyweights in the country to bag the CNN-IBN Indian sportsperson ofthe year.
The 19-year-old Saina created history in June, this year, when she became the first Indian to win a Super Series tournament after clinching the Indonesia Open with a stunning victory over higher-ranked Chinese Lin Wang in Jakarta. The world number eight, Saina was awarded with the prestigious Arjuna award by the President for her exceptional achievements this year.
The Hyderabadi ace shutler left behind some big guns in the Indian sports, which included national footbal captain Bhaichung Bhutia, cricketer Gautam Gambhir, tennis veteran Leander Paes and Olympic bronze medallist Vijender Singh to bag the award for the best Indian sportsperson ofthe year. She will receive the award from Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on December 21.
–Agencies