Honor Trolling: How Saina Nehwal's dignified silence allowed fans to settle 'patriotism' debate among themselves

New Delhi: Ace Indian shuttler Saina Nehwal was subjected to severe criticism, branding the former world number 1 as ‘anti-national’ for apparently promoting a Chinese phone brand.

The 26-year-old got trolled in social media and her official Twitter handle was initially flooded with discriminatory messages and requests to stop buying and promoting Chinese products.

My new lovely Honor 8 phone .... love the phone and colour @HiHonorIndia #Honor8 pic.twitter.com/GOaJiyMq9y — Saina Nehwal (@NSaina) December 11, 2016

A fan tweeted, “Kindly don’t promote Chinese products... it’s dangerous for our nation.”

“Sorry this is china product why u promoting this product (sic),” tweeted another.

The London Olympics medallist maintained her dignified silence, allowing the matter to be resolved among the fans themselves.

But majority of her fans chose not to stay quiet and defended Nehwal, with some even asking her to ignore the ill-informed comments.

"Saina u go with your mind and go ahead, congrats for ur new phone, some people are still poor by mind. And guys don't forget she make a India proud in Badminton....God bless u Saina," commented a fan.

"That's really sad that people are mocking her for this post. Guys, get a life. She's as much patriot as me and you. She's made India proud. These comments are disheartening," another fan wrote.

Some even went onto state that majority of the phones and laptops being sold in India were made in China.

Saina again posted a Tweet of herself with a picture of the phone, and no trollers this time.

Earlier in March this year, Saina was announced as Huawei’s sub-brand Honor’s India brand ambassador which explains the primary reason behind her putting up such post.

Another point that should be noted is that the Chinese multinational has already announced its ‘Make in India’ vision, and will be setting up a manufacturing unit in Chennai in partnership with Flex.

For her services to the country and badminton, Nehwal was honoured with Padma Bhushan, Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna and Arjuna Award.