Golden Chapter of Indian Badminton Comes to an End: Saina Nehwal Announces Retirement

Saina Nehwal |
India’s legendary badminton star and Olympic bronze medallist Saina Nehwal has officially announced her retirement from competitive badminton, bringing an end to a historic era in Indian sports. Saina made the announcement during a podcast, stating that her body is no longer physically capable of performing at the highest level of international competition.

Saina revealed that the serious knee injury she suffered during the 2016 Rio Olympics had a lasting impact on her career. Although she displayed remarkable resilience by making a strong comeback—winning a bronze medal at the 2017 World Championships and a gold medal at the 2018 Commonwealth Games—persistent knee issues eventually limited her progress.

Injuries Took a Heavy Toll

The former world No. 1 explained that continuous physical problems forced her to step away from competitive matches much earlier than officially announced. Her last competitive appearance was at the 2023 Singapore Open.

“I stopped playing competitive matches almost two years ago. I felt I was playing on my own terms and wanted to retire the same way, so I didn’t feel the need to announce it earlier. If you can’t play anymore, that’s okay,” Saina said during the podcast.

Battling Arthritis and Cartilage Damage

Saina also disclosed the severity of her medical condition, revealing that her knee cartilage has completely worn out and that she has developed arthritis.

“My cartilage is completely worn out, and I have arthritis. It was important that my parents and coaches knew this, and I informed them. Now, perhaps, I may never be able to play again,” she added.

A Trailblazer for Indian Badminton

Saina Nehwal’s career remains one of the most influential in Indian badminton history. Her bronze medal at the 2012 London Olympics made her the first Indian woman shuttler to win an Olympic medal, inspiring a generation of young athletes and paving the way for India’s rise on the global badminton stage.