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PV Sindhu's Heartfelt Tribute to Saina Nehwal After Retirement Announcement

PV Sindhu shared a heartfelt note on social media, thanking Saina Nehwal for her contributions to Indian badminton and wishing her well in retirement. Nehwal confirmed her retirement after nearly two years out of competition, citing severe cartilage degeneration in her knees that made high-intensity training impossible. She stated she entered and left the sport on her own terms, with her body unable to cope with the demands of top-tier play. Union Minister Kiren Rijiju also praised Nehwal's legacy, noting she inspired countless young players and put Indian badminton on the global map.

Key Points: PV Sindhu Hails Saina Nehwal's Legacy After Retirement

  • Saina Nehwal retires due to chronic knee condition
  • PV Sindhu shares heartfelt tribute on X
  • Nehwal was out of action for nearly two years
  • Kiren Rijiju praises her legacy and inspiration
2 min read

PV Sindhu shares heartfelt note after Saina Nehwal's retirement, hails her contribution to Indian badminton

PV Sindhu shares a heartfelt note for Saina Nehwal following her retirement from badminton. Nehwal cites chronic knee issues, ending an inspiring career.

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

New Delhi, January 23

India's ace shuttler PV Sindhu on Friday shared a heartfelt note for Saina Nehwal, who recently announced her retirement from competitive badminton.

In a post shared on X, Sindhu thanked Nehwal for contributing to Indian badminton. The two-time Olympic medallist also wished Nehwal peace and happiness in the next phase of her life.

"Wishing you a happy retirement, @NSaina. Thank you for everything you've contributed to Indian badminton. Wishing you peace, happiness, and the very best in this next phase of life," Sindhu wrote 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.

Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju 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.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
So classy of Sindhu to post this. There was always talk of rivalry, but this shows true sportsmanship. Both are legends who pushed each other to greater heights. Thank you, Saina, for the memories!
R
Rohit P
Her knee gave up, but her spirit never did. "Entered on my own terms, left on my own terms" – what a powerful statement. That's the definition of a champion. Salute to the original queen of Indian badminton.
S
Sarah B
As someone who started playing badminton because of her, this hits hard. She was the first Indian woman to become World No. 1. That's history. Hope she gets a fitting farewell from the sports authorities.
K
Karthik V
Respectful criticism: I wish the BAI had organized a proper farewell match or event. She retired quietly two years ago, and we're only hearing about it now. Our champions deserve more fanfare.
N
Nisha Z
From the 2010 Commonwealth Games gold to that epic Olympic medal, she gave us so many proud moments. Now it's time for her to rest and enjoy life. Wishing you happiness, Saina di! ❤️

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