In a touching tribute to Saina Nehwal, Virat Kohli has expressed his admiration and respect for the badminton star following her retirement announcement. Nehwal, a trailblazer in Indian badminton, officially confirmed her departure from the sport after battling a persistent knee condition.
Kohli's heartfelt words echo the sentiments of a nation that has watched Nehwal redefine badminton in India. Her journey, marked by resilience and groundbreaking achievements, has inspired millions and elevated the sport's status in the country.
Nehwal's decision to retire comes after struggling with cartilage degeneration and arthritis in her knees for nearly two years. The London 2012 Olympic bronze medalist revealed that her body could no longer endure the demands of elite-level competition, making it impossible to sustain the rigorous training required. Her last competitive appearance was at the Singapore Open in 2023.
Saina Nehwal broke onto the international scene by winning the Philippines Open in 2006. Over her illustrious career, Nehwal secured over 24 international titles, including 11 Superseries titles. A former world No. 1, she reached the pinnacle of badminton in 2015, becoming only the second Indian, after Prakash Padukone, to achieve this feat. She is the first Indian badminton player to win an Olympic medal. Besides her Olympic bronze, Nehwal is also the first Indian to reach the final of the BWF World Championships and to win the BWF World Junior Championships. In addition, she has won two singles gold medals at the Commonwealth Games.
Her list of awards and honors include the BWF Most Promising Player of the Year in 2008, the Arjuna Award in 2009, the Padmashree Award in 2010, and the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award in 2010. In 2016, she was conferred the Padma Bhushan, India's third-highest civilian award.
Sachin Tendulkar also paid tribute to Nehwal, acknowledging her patience, courage, and consistency. Tendulkar noted that Nehwal carried Indian badminton to the world stage, demonstrating how belief, coupled with preparation, can transform a sport.
Nehwal's journey has not been without its challenges. A significant knee injury at the 2016 Rio Olympics marked a turning point in her career. Although she made remarkable comebacks, winning a bronze medal at the 2017 World Championships and a gold medal at the 2018 Commonwealth Games, the injury's impact persisted.
Speaking to The Times of India, Nehwal expressed the difficulty of saying goodbye to the sport that has been so close to her heart. She reflected on her journey, acknowledging the tournaments, wins, losses, and moments that feel fresh in her memory.
Saina Nehwal's retirement marks the end of an era, but her influence on Indian badminton will endure for generations to come. Her achievements have not only brought glory to the nation but have also paved the way for future stars, inspiring them to believe that nothing is impossible.
