Indian badminton star Saina Nehwal, who made history by winning the country’s first Olympic medal in badminton, is contemplating retirement due to health challenges. Saina, who has been a trailblazer for Indian badminton, revealed that she is suffering from arthritis, which has severely impacted her training and preparation.
Health Struggles
In a candid conversation on Gagan Narang’s House of Glory podcast, Saina shared that arthritis has deteriorated her cartilage, making it difficult to maintain the rigorous training schedule that top-level badminton demands. “I have arthritis, and my cartilage has worn out. It’s tough to stay in the game for eight to nine hours a day like before. Without proper preparation, competing with the best players in the world becomes almost impossible,” Saina said.
Considering Retirement
Saina, who last competed in the Singapore Open, where she was knocked out in the first round, hinted that she may decide her future by the end of this year. The 34-year-old athlete, who began her badminton journey at the age of nine, expressed mixed emotions about the possibility of stepping away from the sport. “I’m thinking of retiring, and it’s not an easy decision. This is like a job for me, something I’ve done since I was a child. I’ll be 35 next year, and I’ve had a long career that I’m proud of,” she reflected.
A Remarkable Career
Saina Nehwal’s career has been nothing short of extraordinary. In addition to her Olympic bronze at the 2012 London Games, she has won two medals at the World Championships, cementing her place as one of India’s greatest badminton players. Reflecting on her journey, Saina said, “Playing in the Olympics is every athlete’s dream, and I’ve worked extremely hard to reach there. I competed in three Olympics and gave my 100% in all of them. That’s something I can always be proud of.”
As Saina Nehwal contemplates the next steps in her career, her legacy as a pioneer of Indian badminton remains intact. Whether she decides to continue or retire, her contributions to the sport will be remembered for years to come.
