Star shuttler Saina Nehwal, who took Indian badminton to new heights and won the country an Olympic medal, has officially confirmed her retirement from competitive sports. The London Olympics 2012 bronze medallist said her body is no longer able to keep up with the demanding demands and fitness levels of elite sports.
Saina Nehwal last played her last competitive match at the Singapore Open in 2023. She recently opened up about her decision during a podcast. Saina said, “I quit playing two years ago. I felt that I started playing on my terms and I will leave on my terms, so there was no need to make a separate announcement.” She further added, “If you are not able to play anymore, it doesn’t matter.”
Injuries have been the biggest obstacle in Saina Nehwal’s illustrious career. A serious knee injury during the Rio 2016 Olympics affected her form. However, she bounced back with a strong spirit and won a bronze medal at the 2017 World Championships and a gold medal at the 2018 Commonwealth Games. But the knee problem continued.
In 2024, Saina revealed that she has arthritis in her knees and her cartilage has worn down badly. Due to this physical condition, it has now become almost impossible to perform at a high level at the international level.
Saina Nehwal is not just a player, but she has changed the definition of Indian badminton. Saina became the first Indian player to win a badminton medal in the Olympics. She created history by winning a bronze medal in the London Olympics (2012). In April 2015, she became the world’s No. 1 women’s badminton player. She was the first Indian woman to achieve this rank.
Saina has won two medals at the World Championships – silver in 2015 and bronze in 2017. She won gold medals in women’s singles at the 2010 Delhi Commonwealth Games and the 2018 Gold Coast Games. She has won several prestigious BWF Super Series tournaments like the Indonesia Open, Hong Kong Open and Australia Open. She brought glory to India by winning the World Junior Badminton Championship in 2008.
The Government of India has honored him with the country’s highest sporting honours in recognition of his dedication to the sport. In 2009, the great athlete was awarded the Khel Ratna, in 2010 the Padma Shri and in 2016 the Padma Bhushan.
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