Saina Nehwal, the iconic Indian badminton player and former world No. 1, has officially announced her retirement from the sport. Citing persistent knee problems and the physical demands of elite-level competition, Nehwal revealed that her body can no longer withstand the rigors of the game. The 2012 London Olympics bronze medalist has been out of action for two years, with her last competitive appearance at the Singapore Open in 2023.
In a recent podcast, Nehwal explained her decision, stating, "I had stopped playing two years back. I actually felt that I entered the sport on my own terms and left on my own terms, so there was no need to announce it". She added, "If you are not capable of playing anymore, that's it. It's fine". Nehwal felt a formal announcement wasn't necessary, as her absence from the court made her decision evident.
The chronic knee condition that ultimately led to her retirement involves severe degeneration and arthritis. Nehwal elaborated on the difficulties she faced during training, "You train eight to nine hours to be the best in the world, now my knee was giving up in one or two hours. It was swelling and it became very tough to push after that. So I thought it's enough. I can't push it anymore". The pain and limitations caused by her knee made it impossible to maintain the high-intensity training required for top-level badminton.
Nehwal's career was significantly impacted by a knee injury sustained at the 2016 Rio Olympics. Although she made a strong comeback, winning a bronze medal at the 2017 World Championships and a gold medal at the 2018 Commonwealth Games, her knee problems persisted. In 2024, she disclosed that she was diagnosed with arthritis and severe cartilage wear in her knees.
Saina Nehwal's retirement marks the end of an era for Indian badminton. Her contributions to the sport have been immense, inspiring a generation of young players and transforming the landscape of women's badminton in India. She leaves behind a legacy of hard work, determination, and numerous achievements that have cemented her place as one of the greatest badminton players India has ever produced.
