New Delhi, March 29: Days after the ICC World Cup debacle, Vice Captain of Team India Virat Kohli finally got a chance to rejoice. This time, it's not Team India but Saina Nehwal gave chance to Indians to celebrate. [Over-confidence led to Virat Kohli's 'dismal' performance in World Cup?]

The nation has been praising 25-year-old Saina who has become the first Indian woman shuttler to attain the world number one ranking in badminton. Joining everyone, Kohli and other cricketers including Sachin Tendulkar hailed her.

Tendulkar, who is worshiped as the god of cricket, hailed her as a "true role model" for aspiring sportspersons. Writing on micro-blogging site Twitter, Sachin tweeted, "Congratulations to @NSaina on becoming the first Indian woman to be the World Number 1. Well done and keep smashing them on! A true role model for aspiring sports persons in the country."

Congratulations to @NSaina on becoming the first Indian woman to be the World Number 1. (1/2)

— sachin tendulkar (@sachin_rt) March 28, 2015

Well done and keep smashing them on! A true role model for aspiring sports persons in the country. (2/2)

— sachin tendulkar (@sachin_rt) March 28, 2015

Meanwhile, Kohli, who returned from Australia recently, tweeted, "Congratulations @NSaina for becoming the first Indian woman shuttler to become World No.1! You have made us proud!" [World Cup: Indian players return home from Australia]

Congratulations @NSaina for becoming the first Indian woman shuttler to become World No.1! You have made us proud!

— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) March 28, 2015

Saina's personal coach Vimal Kumar was also pleased at her wards accomplishment and urged the top shuttler to maintain consistency. [Unbelievable to be World No.1, says Saina Nehwal]

"I am quite pleased. Now she needs to find consistency. So many events are coming up, showing consistency is the key," said Kumar.

Saina scripted history by becoming the first Indian woman shuttler to reach the number one spot in world rankings, reaffirming her status as the country's most consistent performer in the international circuit.

OneIndia News
(With agency inputs)