Indian badminton star Saina Nehwal has quietly stepped away from professional badminton, bringing an end to a remarkable career. The Hyderabad-born shuttler revealed her decision during a recent podcast interaction, where she explained that persistent knee problems pushed her to move on. Although she stayed away from the sport for nearly two years, Saina said she never felt the need for a formal retirement announcement until now.
Saina explained that the decision came naturally. She explained that she entered the sport on her own terms and chose to leave the same way. Moreover, she made it clear that injuries made competitive play difficult. So, she felt she could no longer compete at the top level. Therefore, she decided to accept the reality and focus on life beyond badminton.
Interestingly, Saina said she did not plan a farewell moment. Instead, she slowly drifted away from matches and training. Later, she chose to speak openly about her journey during the podcast. This honest approach reflected her straightforward personality.
Saina Nehwal’s career remains historic. In 2012, she won a bronze medal at the London Olympics, becoming the first Indian badminton player to achieve that feat. As a result, she inspired an entire generation of young players. Even after retirement, her impact on Indian badminton will continue to be felt.
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