How has your maiden Olympic experience been—-becoming the first Indian to reach the Olympics quarterfinals and then the defeat?
It was my first Olympics and I was very excited. I had always dreamed of making it to this biggest sporting event. Despite my determination to give my 100 per cent, I had never expected to reach the quarterfinals. I was just taking one match at a time. But when I did reach the quarterfinals, I started thinking of a medal—gold, silver or bronze—and at one point in the quarter-final match, I thought I would actually win. That, I think, did me in, making me put up a really disappointing performance in the last set when I was down to 11-3. I have learnt not to be complacent. But I guess losing is a part of every game and I have no regrets.

How was Beijing? Did you interact off-court with the other players?
I couldn’t speak much to them but it was thrilling to see players from all over the world. I was thrilled to have seen the match between Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal. Seeing them live was amazing. The way the two played, their fitness—I was just awed. I also liked the food they ate. In fact, I saw Nadal eating really good food—lot of cheese, pasta, rice and chicken curry—in the dining hall. I wanted to go and speak to him but I was too shy and he was too busy chatting with his friends.

Did you meet members of the Indian contingent?
I saw everyone, including Mahesh Bhupati and Sania Mirza, but I couldn’t meet everybody as I had to practise and play my matches. I met the boxers though and they treated me like a sister. Akhil Kumar, specially, was very supportive. Once I was receiving treatment from a doctor in my room, Akhil came in and said that I play well and that I was the hope of the country. He was very nice. All the boxers made me feel like a hero.

What after the Olympics?
There’s so much to be done. I have three big tournaments coming up— the Japan Open, the China Open and the Chinese-Taipei Open. I am world no. 14 now and really want to do well in these events and in every other game that follows. Four years later, at the London 2012 Olympics, people should actually believe that I can win a medal. And I want to win a gold.

What do you have to say about the status of badminton in India?
Well, public interest in the sport has increased. After my Beijing stint, people want to know about my game and me. But it has to go way beyond that. Badminton is a costly affair and the government needs to do much more. It must not only support me—thankfully, I have Mittal Sports Trust as my sponsor—but other players too. The media, too, should not forget us after the Olympics.

The sports minister, MS Gill, did not recognise your coach Pullela Gopichand when the two of you met him after your return from Beijing. Comment.
Since Gopichand has not commented on it, who am I to? All I can say is that every badminton lover is disappointed. Gopichand is, after all, a legend. But I am glad that he didn’t mind it.

There have been comparisons with Sania Mirza. You have similar names and belong to Hyderabad.
I feel really bad when my name is confused with Sania’s. Sania plays tennis and I play badminton. Both are very different games. I was okay with the comparison in the beginning. Perhaps it also helped generate people’s interest in me. But now I have a standing and everyone knows Saina is Saina, not Sania. Otherwise, Sania Mirza is a very sweet person. She is very supportive of me and attends every match I play in Hyderabad. She attended the matches I played at the Indian Open. She wanted to see me play in Beijing too, she couldn’t get the tickets.

Have you been approached to endorse any brands?
Well, I have done a couple of shoots and made appearances at the events of Aspire India, which is also my sponsor. I am not exactly their brand ambassador. I would love to endorse popular brands. Talks are on and you’ll see me on TV soon.

Unlike other sports stars, you stay away from the limelight.
I am known because of my game and would always want to be known because of that. Yes, not much is written about my personal life unlike other sportspersons such as Sania or Dhoni. I guess that’s because they have crossed a certain level in their careers which I am yet to reach. Maybe, once I start endorsing brands, something beyond my game will be written about.

What’s Saina like off-court? What are her hobbies and interests?
Frankly, I don’t have much of a life beyond the court. I am not into studies at all at the moment, though I am enrolled in Class XII at St Ann’s College for Women, Hyderabad. My teachers are supportive and say that I can write my exams later. The entire week is spent practicing. Sundays, I give myself a break—sleeping till noon and then watching TV or going shopping. Besides that, I watch a movie once in three weeks.

Which was the last movie you watched?
Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na…it’s an okay film meant for the junior, younger crowd.

You are also young.
Yeah.

Define your relationship with badminton.
If I don’t play it for a day, I feel sick. It’s my life.