Saina Nehwal, one of India’s greatest badminton players, has officially stepped away from competitive badminton. The 35-year-old Olympic bronze medallist spoke openly about her decision on a recent podcast, ending years of speculation around her absence from the court. While fans are emotional about her exit, Saina’s words reflect clarity, strength, and acceptance after a long fight with injuries. Her retirement is not sudden it is the result of years of physical struggle that made professional training impossible.
Why Did Saina Nehwal Retire From Badminton
Saina Nehwal retired mainly due to severe knee problems. Doctors confirmed that the cartilage in her knees had completely worn out, leading to arthritis. This caused frequent swelling and pain, even after short practice sessions. At her peak, Saina trained 8–9 hours a day to maintain her world No.1 ranking. In recent years, however, her knees could not handle even 1–2 hours of training. The condition worsened over time, forcing her to put her long-term health above competition.
Saina Nehwal has announced her retirement. 🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/GRB7aKS1CX
— Himanshu Pareek (@Sports_Himanshu) January 19, 2026
Saina Nehwal Knee Injury Timeline: From Rio Olympics to Final Match
Saina’s knee issues began with a major injury during the 2016 Rio Olympics. She underwent surgery and worked hard to return to form. Despite physical setbacks, she made strong comebacks, winning medals at major tournaments.
However, the damage never fully healed. Her last professional match was at the 2023 Singapore Open. Since then, swelling and pain stopped her from resuming high-intensity training. Medical scans in late 2024 showed no cartilage left, with bone-on-bone contact confirming the end of competitive play.
Saina Nehwal On Retirement: What She Said in Her Own Words
Speaking on a podcast dated January 19, 2026, Saina shared her reality without drama:“I can’t push it anymore. Thought it’s enough. Your cartilage has totally degenerated, you have arthritis.”
She explained that she didn’t feel the need for a formal announcement earlier, as her absence from tournaments already said everything. According to Saina, she informed her family and coaches privately first, choosing to exit on her own terms.
Saina Nehwal Career Highlights and Achievements
Saina Nehwal is a trailblazer who changed the face of Indian badminton, especially for women. From becoming India’s first female Olympic badminton medallist to reaching world No.1, her career inspired millions.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
How Saina Nehwal’s Knee Condition Affected Her Training and Performance
Badminton demands explosive movement—lunges, jumps, quick sprints. For Saina, these became painful. Her knees swelled quickly, and recovery took longer after every session. Despite rest and treatment, her body could no longer meet elite-level demands. Unlike some athletes who adapt their play, Saina chose to prioritize long-term health over short-term competition.
Saina Nehwal Family Background and Personal Life
Saina Nehwal was born on 17 March 1990 in Hisar, Haryana. Her father, Dr. Harvir Singh Nehwal, and mother, Usha Rani Nehwal, supported her badminton journey from an early age, making key sacrifices for her training. In 2018, she married fellow shuttler Parupalli Kashyap, who stood by her through injuries and comebacks. Saina prefers to keep her personal life private and shared her retirement decision with her family before making it public.
What’s Next for Saina Nehwal After Retirement?
Retirement doesn’t mean slowing down for Saina. She plans to focus on:
- Expanding her badminton academy in Haryana
- Mentoring young players
- Possible media appearances or a future book on her journey
With players like PV Sindhu and Lakshya Sen leading Indian badminton now, Saina’s role shifts from champion to guide. Tributes from fans, athletes, and leaders continue to pour in, celebrating a career built on grit and resilience.
OTHER ARTICLES TO READ:
- Tim Picton Dead at 36: What Really Happened That Night in Perth?
- Neha Kakkar Takes Sudden Break From Professional and Public Life—What Happened?
- When Is the Laughter Chefs Season 3 Final? Which Team Kaanta or Team Chhuri Win
- Kriti Sanon Wedding Rumors: Is the Bollywood Star Getting Married?
- Why ₹1300Cr Success Actually Scares 20-Year-Old Sara Arjun
- Laughter Chefs Season 3 Contestants Salary: Who Is the Highest Paid Contestant?
- Spain Train Disaster Live Updates: How Emergency Teams Responded After the Crash
- What Happened in the Udaipur Car Crash That Turned a Birthday Into Tragedy?
- Divya Ganesh Takes the Trophy: Inside Her Bigg Boss Tamil Journey
