Former world No. 1 badminton player and Olympic medalist Saina Nehwal stated on Saturday that finishing among the leading countries on international medal leaderboards is the true benchmark for defining India as a "sporting nation," even as the country pushes to host major global events.

Addressing students at St. Xavier’s College during the inter-collegiate festival 'Malhar', Saina acknowledged the positive shift in Indian sports over the past decade, particularly for female athletes, while noting that significant work lies ahead.