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Saina Nehwal Retires, Leaves Legacy of Grit and Global Badminton Glory

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju hailed the retirement of badminton icon Saina Nehwal as the end of an extraordinary chapter in Indian sport. Nehwal confirmed her retirement after being sidelined for nearly two years due to severe cartilage degeneration in her knees. The former World No. 1 stated she entered and left the sport on her own terms, as her body could no longer sustain the demands of top-tier training. Her legacy of grit and fearless ambition is credited with putting Indian badminton on the global map and inspiring a generation.

Key Points: Saina Nehwal Retires from Badminton | Legacy & Career Highlights

  • Chronic knee condition forced retirement
  • Former World No. 1 ends competitive career
  • Rijiju praises her grit and global impact
  • Inspired countless young athletes
  • Retired after nearly two years out of action
2 min read

"Inspired countless young players": Kiren Rijiju recalls Saina Nehwal's legacy on her retirement from competitive badminton

Olympic medallist Saina Nehwal retires due to chronic knee injury. Kiren Rijiju hails her legacy of inspiring young players and putting Indian badminton on the global map.

"I actually felt that I entered the sport on my own terms and left on my own terms - Saina Nehwal"

New Delhi, January 21

Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju on Wednesday said that the retirement of Badminton icon Saina Nehwal has brought the curtains down on an extraordinary chapter in Indian sport.

He hailed Nehwal's legacy and wished her success and happiness after her retirement.

"The retirement of Badminton icon @NSaina brings the curtain down on an extraordinary chapter in Indian sport. Through sheer grit, grace & fearless ambition, she put Indian badminton on the global map & inspired countless young players to dream big. Her legacy will continue to shape the future of the sport. Wishing her success & happiness ahead," Kiren Rijiju said in a post on X.

Olympic medallist Nehwal on January 20 confirmed her retirement from competitive badminton after being out of action for nearly two years due to a chronic knee condition.

"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," Saina Nehwal said in a podcast as quoted by Olympics.com.

The former World No. 1 revealed that the decision was taken after severe cartilage degeneration in her knees, which made sustained high-intensity training impossible.

The badminton player further added that her body could no longer cope with the demands of top-tier badminton.

"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 was enough. I can't push it anymore," Nehwal revealed.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
End of an era. She was the one who made badminton cool in India before Sindhu. The way she fought on court, with that never-say-die attitude, was inspirational. Salute to her dedication and for carrying the nation's hopes for so long.
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Aman W
While her achievements are monumental, I wish she had a proper farewell match or tournament. Retiring quietly via a podcast feels a bit underwhelming for a player of her stature. The fans deserved a chance to say thank you properly.
S
Sarah B
Her journey from a small town to World No. 1 is the stuff of dreams. It's sad that injuries cut her career short, but what a legacy she leaves behind. Hope she mentors the next generation now.
K
Karthik V
Absolute champion! She paved the way. Because of Saina, parents in my colony started sending their kids to badminton coaching. That's her real impact. Wishing her all the best for her second innings. 🏸
M
Michael C
Respect for knowing when to stop. The body has its limits. Her decision shows wisdom. Thank you, Saina, for all the thrilling matches and for putting Indian badminton firmly on the map.

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