New Delhi: Former world No. 1 and India’s badminton icon Saina Nehwal has officially announced her retirement from professional badminton, citing long-standing knee issues and serious medical concerns. With cartilage damage and arthritis preventing her from enduring intense training, Saina decided to bid farewell to the sport on her own terms, ending a golden chapter in Indian sports.
The Reason Behind Retirement
Saina revealed that the cartilage in her knees has deteriorated significantly and she has been struggling with arthritis. Maintaining a place among the world’s elite requires 8–9 hours of training daily, but her knees could no longer tolerate more than one to two hours of practice without swelling. She stated, “I told my parents and coach that it’s no longer possible to continue. This was a decision I had to take for my own well-being.”
Quiet Exit from the Sport
Interestingly, Saina had not participated in any professional tournaments for the past two years, with her last event being the 2023 Singapore Open. Reflecting on the timing of her announcement, she said, “I started the sport on my own terms and I am ending it on my own terms. I felt there was no need for a formal announcement, as gradually people would realize that Saina is no longer playing.”
2016 Rio Injury and Remarkable Comeback
A significant turning point in Saina’s career was the knee injury she suffered during the 2016 Rio Olympics. Despite this setback, her determination saw her return stronger: she won a bronze at the 2017 World Championships and a gold medal at the 2018 Commonwealth Games, once again making the nation proud. However, recurring knee problems eventually forced her to step away from competitive badminton.
Saina Nehwal leaves behind an illustrious career marked by resilience, historic victories, and an enduring legacy in Indian badminton.
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