New Delhi: Days before the fast approaching February 8 Delhi elections, noted badminton star and bronze medal winner in Olympics, Saina Nehwal, on Wednesday joined BJP.
Her joining the saffron party will give BJP a key ‘brand power’ for the crucial polls in the capital where the saffron party is making a determined effort to storm back to power.
Last BJP government that ran affairs of Delhi was in 1998.
Ms Nehwal joined BJP in presence of party general secretary Arun Singh among others.
Born on March 19, 1990, Ms Nehwal won over 24 international titles, which includes eleven Superseries titles.
She hails from Hisar in Haryana and her joining BJP could help the Lotus party woo Haryanvi voters and youngsters.
In 2016, the Government of India conferred the Padma Bhushan - India’s third highest civilian award - on her.
“Today is a big day as I am joining a party that is working sincerely for the country. I am happy that I will be able to make contribution for the country under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi,” Ms Nehwal told reporters.
She specially thanked Prime Minister for the ‘Khelo India’ related works to promote sports in the country.
It was in 2015 that Ms Nehwal had attained the world No. 1 ranking, thereby becoming the only female player from India and overall the second Indian player - after Prakash Padukone - to achieve the feat.
She has represented India three times in the Olympics.
Sources said Ms Nehwal will campaign and will be participating at roadshows in favour of BJP candidates in the capital.
Previously, Ms Nehwal was honoured with the nation’s top two sporting honours, Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna and the Arjuna Award. (UNI)
