Saina Nehwal claps back after being dubbed 'Kangana Ranaut of sports' over Neeraj Chopra remark

In a recent turn of events, India’s badminton icon Saina Nehwal responded to social media trolls after her remarks on a podcast led to widespread online criticism. While discussing her realisation that Javelin Throw was an Olympic sport only after Neeraj Chopra's gold win in 2021, Nehwal faced harsh trolling. Critics labeled her the 'Kangana Ranaut of sports', a comparison to which Saina responded positively, highlighting her own achievements in badminton.

Kangana is beautiful: Saina Nehwal

"Thanks for the compliment.. Kangana is beautiful...but I had to be perfect in my sport and I proudly achieved world number 1 and Olympic medal in badminton for my country ...again I will say this ghar pe bait ke comment karna easy hai and sports khelna difficult," Saina wrote on X (formerly Twitter), defending her position and acknowledging Neeraj Chopra’s influence in popularizing javelin throw.

Credit: X

Earlier after her initial statement, netizens were quick to inundate social media with reactions ranging from humorous to critical. One user remarked, "...IS LIYE HI BADE KAHATE HAIN BETA KUCH PADHA LIKHA BHI LIYA KARO KHEL KE SHAATH.." while another called it a 'Moye-Moye Moment!' due to her lack of knowledge before Chopra's historic win.

Trolling over 'Bumrah comment'

This isn’t the first time Nehwal has faced online backlash. Previously, she drew attention with a comment comparing cricket and badminton, which was not well received by cricket enthusiasts, including Kolkata Knight Riders batter Angkrish Raghuvanshi. Nehwal had argued that if cricketer Jasprit Bumrah played badminton against her, he might struggle with her smashes.

"Why would I face Jasprit Bumrah anyways? If I had been playing for 8 years maybe I would have answered Jasprit Bumrah," Nehwal had responded, emphasizing the importance of respecting all sports to foster a sporting culture in India.

'Jasprit Bumrah won't be able to take my smash': Saina Nehwal tears into KKR star for displeasing remark on badminton - Sportstak
byu/rjdonniex inKolkataKnightRiders

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The controversy stirred significant discussion on the subreddit r/KolkataKnightRiders. One user humorously speculated about the impacts of a 300kmph shuttle versus a 140kmph cricket ball, while another teased, "Bumrah Racket pakad ke khel v legaa, Parr didi Aap se Round arm action fast bowling Nehi honaa, Daudta hua Spinner lagoge woh alag."

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