Every parent wants to see their child succeed. But how much should parents push? Should children be given complete freedom to choose their path, or does excellence require discipline that begins at home? Former world No. 1 badminton player Saina Nehwal believes there is no shortcut to raising a champion. Speaking in a conversation on The Rayane Show with Youtuber Rayane Mithun, the Olympic medalist shared why she feels parents who dream of seeing their children excel in sports need to be consistent, disciplined and, at times, strict.Looking back at her own journey, Saina credited much of her success not just to her talent or coaching, but to the unwavering support and discipline of her mother.
28 Jul 2026 | 16:22
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“Parents are parents. They have to show their place”
When asked whether parental consistency is essential to groom a sportsperson, Saina said, “I think parents, if they really want their kid to achieve, they have to be really strict.” According to her, parenting styles have changed over the years, with many parents becoming much softer than before. “Nowadays, what I am seeing is that the parents are becoming a little softer. I understand both the parents are working. It’s not easy, but parents have to show their place. Parents are parents.”“If you are soft with him and giving him time to be with friends or go out and have fun, then I think it gets a little difficult,” she added. For Saina, becoming an elite athlete requires parents to make a conscious decision early on. “If you have set up that mindset as a parent that I want my kid to be someone at the highest level.”
Her ‘never give up’ attitude came from her mother
Saina with her mother. (Instagram/@nehwalsaina)
Saina says one of the biggest qualities that helped her throughout her career was her determination to never give up and she inherited that from her mother. “My never giving up attitude is because of my mom. Even she has that attitude.”She believes children naturally absorb the mindset and behaviour they see at home. “So the kid will definitely do well if the parent is behind her or him.”
How her mother built the mindset of a champion
Sharing memories from her childhood, Saina recalled how her mother remained deeply involved in every stage of her training. “She used to always be behind me, making me think about the matches, what to eat. Then, immediately the coach used to come. Then she used to massage my legs. Again next match.”That daily routine, repeated over years, slowly changed the way she thought. “The mindset became like that by the time I was 11-12 that I have to perform. I have to do well. I have to achieve the best.”According to Saina, children are not naturally capable of setting long-term career goals at a young age. Parents often have to provide that direction. “At that point of time, you will have to put in their mind that this is your goal because obviously as a kid they won’t know what to do. Even I didn’t know what to do. My mind was everywhere. I’ll become this, I’ll become that. But my mom made sure I’m on the right track.”
Why she believes children should start sports early
Saina with her parents.
Saina also spoke about the age at which children should begin serious sports training. She revealed that she herself started badminton at the age of nine, which she now considers relatively late by international standards. “I started at the age of nine, which is still a little late.” Comparing India with countries known for producing world-class athletes, she said children elsewhere often begin much earlier. “In Russia, China and all, they start at the age of three: for tennis, badminton, swimming, anything.“She admitted that she tries not to discourage Indian parents, but feels many delay introducing sports. “Sometimes I keep quiet when I’m telling Indian parents out here. I’m like, ‘Okay, five is okay, six is okay.’ But when they say he or she is only 10, I think 10 is a very big age already. You will have to start by the time they’re six or seven.”
“Talent is in every child”
Despite speaking about discipline and early training, Saina does not believe success depends on a child’s background or financial status. “Talent is in everyone whether they are from village background, middle class, upper middle class or rich. All the kids are the same.”What makes the difference, she feels, is the determination of parents. “It’s just that if the parents decide for them that I want my kid to be this and maybe if he has to go the hard way for that, I will do that.”She acknowledged that pushing children is emotionally difficult for parents. “I know parents’ hearts are also very, very soft. It’s not easy for them to push them into a tough field when you have everything.”Still, she believes that a certain amount of firmness is necessary. “That toughness is required. That stiffness is required. If it is there, then if I can do it, all the kids can do it.”
What parents can take away from this
File photo
Saina Nehwal’s experience reflects what worked in helping her become one of India’s greatest badminton players. For parents, however, the larger takeaway may not simply be about being “strict.” It is about being consistently involved. Encouraging healthy habits, helping children stay committed to their goals, teaching resilience after failures and creating a routine can all play an important role in a child’s development.Every child is different, and not every child dreams of being an Olympic champion. The trick for parents is to strike the right balance. To provide guidance and structure, but also listen to a child’s interests, mental health, and love of the activity. After all, discipline can help children thrive, but lasting success is often built when hard work is paired with real passion.
