Parul University is proud to announce that the Indian badminton icon Saina Nehwal will grace its 8th Convocation Ceremony as the Guest of Honour. Scheduled to take place on the 5th of December 2024, the event will be a memorable occasion for all the graduating students, who will have the opportunity to be inspired by one of India’s most accomplished sports personalities.
Saina Nehwal, an Olympic bronze medalist and recipient of prestigious awards like the Padma Bhushan and Arjuna Awards, has strongly impacted Indian sports. Her historic achievement as the first Indian badminton player to reach the world No. 1 ranking in 2015, along with 24 international titles which include ten Superseries titles, is a testament to her perseverance, discipline, and dedication. She has represented India three times in the Olympics, winning a bronze medal in her second appearance at London 2012. She has become a symbol of excellence, inspiring countless young minds in India and abroad.
Saina Nehwal has achieved various milestones for India in sports. She is the only Indian to have won at least one medal in every BWF major individual event, namely the Olympics, the BWF World Championships, and the BWF World Junior Championships. She is the first Indian badminton player to have won an Olympic medal, the first Indian to have reached the final of the BWF World Championships, and the first Indian to have won the BWF World Junior Championships. In 2006, she became the first Indian female and the youngest Asian to win a 4-star tournament. She is also the first Indian to win a Super Series title. In the 2014 Uber Cup, she captained the Indian team, helping India to win a first-ever Uber Cup bronze medal. She also became the first Indian to win two singles gold medals (2010 and 2018) at the Commonwealth Games.
Because of her impactful achievements, she is often credited with the increasing popularity of badminton in the country. Aside from badminton, Saina Nehwal is also a philanthropist. She has ranked 18th on the list of most charitable athletes in the year 2015.
As the Guest of Honour, Saina Nehwal will address the graduating class of 2024, sharing insights from her extraordinary journey in sports and life. Her words will surely resonate deeply with the students, encouraging them to embrace challenges, strive for excellence, and remain steadfast in their ambitions.
The 8th Convocation Ceremony of Parul University promises to be a momentous occasion, celebrating the hard work and achievements of its graduating students. With over 20,000 students and parents in attendance, graduates from various disciplines will be conferred their degrees, a testament to their years of dedication, perseverance, and academic excellence. Saina Nehwal’s participation is expected to be a highlight of the event, adding a layer of inspiration and motivation for students as they embark on the next chapter of their lives.
Vadodara-based Parul University is a premier educational institution offering a multidisciplinary approach to higher education. With cutting-edge infrastructure, a vibrant campus culture, and a commitment to nurturing innovation and leadership, the university has consistently set benchmarks in education and student development.
