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Saina Nehwal Inspires at Telangana Chief Minister's Cup Closing Ceremony

Olympian Saina Nehwal graced the closing ceremony of the Telangana Chief Minister's Cup 2025, thanking the state government for the invitation. She expressed pride in the talent emerging from Telangana and extended her hopes for more medal wins at all competitive levels. Nehwal also conveyed her good wishes for PV Sindhu and the entire Indian contingent for the upcoming 2026 Thomas and Uber Cup in Denmark. The Indian teams for the tournament feature a mix of seasoned players like Lakshya Sen and Kidambi Srikanth alongside promising newcomers.

Key Points: Saina Nehwal at CM Cup, Hails Telangana's Sports Talent

  • Saina Nehwal attended closing ceremony
  • Praised Telangana's grassroots sports initiative
  • Wished luck to Indian Thomas/Uber Cup team
  • India's squad blends experience & youth
2 min read

Saina Nehwal attends closing ceremony of Chief Minister's Cup, hopes Telangana players wins more medals at international events

Olympian Saina Nehwal attended the Chief Minister's Cup closing ceremony, encouraging Telangana athletes and wishing luck to India's Thomas & Uber Cup squad.

"I hope we will win more medals at the state, national, and international levels. - Saina Nehwal"

Hyderabad, March 24

Olympian shuttler Saina Nehwal thanked the Telangana government for inviting her to the closing ceremony of the Chief Minister's Cup 2025 on Tuesday and hoped that more players from Telangana will win medals at the state, national, and international levels.

She also wished the Indian contingent good luck for the 2026 Thomas and Uber Cup.

Telangana Minister Vakiti Srihari and Telangana state Sports Authority Chairman Shivasena Reddy and were among those who took part in the closing functiona at the LB stadium in Hyderabad.

The Chief Minister's Cup, initiated by Telangana government, is a state-wide sports initiative that aims to foster talent at the grassroots level and build a sustainable sports ecosystem across the state.

"I want to thank the Telangana government for inviting me to the closing ceremony of the Chief Minister's Cup 2025. Congratulations to all the winners; they performed very well. I'm feeling very proud to see so many players coming from Telangana. I hope we will win more medals at the state, national, and international levels," Nehwal said.

"I wish good luck to PV Sindhu and all the players. They are experienced, and we hope for good results," she added.

The Badminton Association of India (BAI) has selected a mix of experienced campaigners and in-form youngsters for the 2026 Thomas and Uber Cup to be held in Horsens, Denmark from April 24 to May 3, with Lakshya Sen, Kidambi Srikanth and the Satwik-Chirag pair forming the core of the men's squad, while PV Sindhu and Unnati Hooda leading the women's team.

The men's side retains the nucleus of the team that clinched India's historic Thomas Cup title in 2022, with Sen, Srikanth, and HS Prannoy leading the singles, alongside the established doubles pair of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty. Young shuttler Ayush Shetty has earned a maiden call-up after consistent performances on the senior circuit, according to a press release.

In the women's competition, Sindhu will spearhead India's challenge alongside the top doubles pair of Gayatri Gopichand and Treesa Jolly, as the team looks to better its previous semifinal finishes. Hooda is joined by a group of in-form youngsters, including Devika Sihag, Isharani Baruah, and teenager Tanvi Sharma.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
As a Hyderabadi, I'm so proud! Our state is producing such great sporting talent. Saina and Sindhu have already made us proud, now it's time for the new kids. All the best for the Thomas/Uber Cup team!
R
Rohit P
Good initiative, but I hope the government also ensures long-term support for these athletes. Winning at the grassroots is one thing, but they need consistent funding, coaching, and facilities to compete internationally.
S
Sarah B
The mix of experience and youth in the Uber Cup squad looks promising. Unnati Hooda and Tanvi Sharma are exciting prospects. Fingers crossed for a medal in Denmark!
V
Vikram M
Saina is a true legend. Even after retirement from top-level play, she's still giving back to the sport and inspiring others. That's the mark of a great champion.
K
Karthik V
The men's team for Thomas Cup looks solid! Satwik-Chirag are world beaters. Hope we can bring the cup home again. Jai Hind!

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