Punjab Newsline,Sports:
Cites persistent knee injury and physical limitations, says she began and ended her career on her own terms
India’s legendary badminton player and Olympic bronze medallist Saina Nehwal has officially announced her retirement from competitive badminton. Battling serious knee issues and recurring injuries for a long time, Saina said that her body is no longer capable of meeting the intense physical demands required at the elite level of the sport. With her decision, an illustrious chapter of Indian badminton has come to a close.
The bronze medallist at the London Olympics 2012 played her last competitive match at the Singapore Open in 2023. Although the formal announcement has come now, Saina revealed that she had effectively stepped away from the sport nearly two years ago. Speaking on a podcast, she said she started her career on her own terms and wanted to exit the sport in the same manner, which is why she did not feel the need to make an immediate public announcement.
Saina added that when the body no longer supports an athlete to perform at the same level, it is important to accept reality. She said there is nothing wrong with stepping away from the game when one is no longer physically capable of continuing, and every phase of a sporting career—whether the beginning or the end—deserves respect.
Injuries played a major role in shaping the latter part of Saina Nehwal’s career. She suffered a serious knee injury during the Rio Olympics in 2016, which significantly affected her performance and consistency. Despite this setback, she made a strong comeback and went on to win a bronze medal at the 2017 World Championships, showcasing her determination and fighting spirit. She also added another medal to her achievements at the 2018 Commonwealth Games.
In 2024, Saina revealed that she was suffering from arthritis and that her bones had weakened, making it increasingly difficult for her to compete at the highest level. Given these physical challenges, her decision to retire was not easy, but she described it as a necessary and practical step.
Saina Nehwal’s contribution to Indian badminton will always be remembered. She not only brought international recognition to the country but also inspired an entire generation of young players, especially women, to take up the sport and dream big on the global stage.