Saina Nehwal created history yesterday by becoming the first Indian in 36 years to be assured of an individual medal at the Asian Games, after the late Syed Modi won the bronze at the 1982 New Delhi Asiad. Incidentally, Saina had no clue about achieving the record following her 21-18, 21-16 quarter-final victory (losing semi-finalists are given bronze medals) over Thailand's Ratchanok Intanon here.

Strict Gopichand
Saina revealed that chief national coach Pullela Gopichand and herself were wondering who was the last Indian individual medal-winner at the Asiad. She obviously couldn't google it because coach Gopi does not permit his players to use their mobile phones during events. "I didn't know about this record. I'm not allowed to use my mobile phone during tournaments as it could be a distraction and at such an important tournament like the Asian Games. One cannot afford even the slightest distraction," Saina said after her win.