Virat Kohli Pays Heartfelt Tribute to Saina Nehwal on Her Retirement, Says ‘India Is Proud of You’

Indian cricket icon Virat Kohli paid a warm and heartfelt tribute to Olympic medallist Saina Nehwal following her announcement of retirement from competitive badminton, praising her for elevating Indian badminton to the global stage.

Taking to social media on Friday afternoon, Kohli congratulated Saina on her illustrious career and acknowledged her lasting impact on Indian sport. “Congratulations to Saina Nehwal on a wonderful career that put Indian badminton firmly on the world stage. Wishing you a happy, fulfilling and well-deserved retirement. India is proud of you,” Kohli wrote.

Saina Nehwal, who won bronze at the 2012 London Olympics, recently confirmed her decision to step away from the sport due to persistent knee injuries and the physical toll of elite-level competition. The former world No. 1 revealed that her body was no longer able to cope with the demands required at the highest level.

A major turning point in Saina’s career came during the 2016 Rio Olympics, where she suffered a serious knee injury that threatened to derail her journey. Despite the setback, she made a remarkable comeback—winning a bronze medal at the 2017 World Championships and clinching gold at the 2018 Commonwealth Games.

However, recurring knee problems continued to hamper her progress. In 2024, Saina disclosed that she had developed arthritis and significant cartilage wear in her knees, making high-intensity training increasingly difficult. Her last competitive appearance came at the 2023 Singapore Open, after which she gradually stepped away from the circuit.

Speaking recently on a podcast, Saina explained that she did not feel the need for a formal retirement announcement. “People would eventually understand that I am no longer playing. I felt my time had come because my knee could no longer take the strain it once did,” she said.

Tributes from across the sporting fraternity have continued to pour in, with Kohli’s message resonating strongly among fans. As one of India’s most influential athletes, Saina Nehwal’s journey remains a source of inspiration—defined by resilience, trailblazing success, and an enduring legacy in Indian sports.