'Don't Compare Anmol Kharb With Saina Nehwal,' Says Her Coach Kusumm Singh

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The Indian women's team won a historic gold medal at the Badminton Asia Team Championships 2024, The 17-year-old Anmol Kharb won the decider to help India clinch the final against Thailand 3-2,

Over the past week, Anmol Kharb has been the centre of attention. The young badminton talent played a crucial role in India's historic gold medal victory at the 2024 Badminton Asia Team Championships.

Showing great talent in Malaysia, Anmol became India's new star by winning important matches against stronger opponents, even in the final. Anmol looks up to the legendary Saina Nehwal and wants to be like her but now people are starting to compare them.

Anmol's coach, Kusumm Singh, who lost to Saina Nehwal in a match 16 years ago, told myKhel that Anmol and Saina are different and shouldn't be compared. "I don't want to compare and the reason being, there are two individual personalities and if we talk about Saina's (Nehwal) journey, it's a long process.

"She(Saina Nehwal )has played for so many years and Anmol is mentally very strong, she has a fighting spirit, she is hard-working and intelligent. I think she will do very well. Saina is her ideal, she follows her."

In the Asian Team Championship final, Kharb, world ranked 472, faced off against Natsuki Nidaira, ranked 28th. Despite their rankings, Kharb played exceptionally well, winning 21-14, 21-18, and securing a Gold medal for India.

Kusumm Singh, who hails from Alwar, Rajasthan, said she was extremely surprised by Anmol's performance. "I am speechless. I didn't even think about it. I didn't think she would get an opportunity, not only because she is new, but also because there are many good senior and experienced players like Ashmita (Chaliha) and Sindhu (PV). I thought she wouldn't get a chance because all are good players, but she (Anmol) got a chance every time and proved that the selection committee's decision was right."

Kusum also revealed the conversation between Anmol and her before leaving for the Asian Team Championship. "She was excited because she would get a chance to meet senior players like Ashwani (Ponappa) and Sindhu (PV).

"It was her first senior championship tournament, so she looked forward to spending time with them and learning from them. I reminded her that while meeting senior players is important, it's even more crucial to be with them and learn. Therefore, I encouraged her to play well."