Saina Nehwal confirms retirement from competitive badminton, cites chronic knee injury: ‘Can’t push it anymore’

By Admin

20 Jan, 2026

Introduction
Ace Indian shuttler Saina Nehwal has officially confirmed her retirement from competitive badminton, bringing an end to one of the most inspiring careers in Indian sports. After battling a chronic knee condition for several years, the Olympic medallist has decided to step away from elite competition, stating that her body can no longer handle the intense physical demands of top-level badminton.

A Quiet Exit from the Court
Saina revealed that she had actually stopped playing competitive badminton nearly two years ago. Her last professional appearance came at the 2023 Singapore Open, although she chose not to make a formal retirement announcement at that time. According to her, the decision to walk away from the sport was deeply personal and did not require a public declaration.

She shared on a podcast that she entered the sport on her own terms and wanted to leave it the same way. For her, the inability to compete at the highest level was reason enough to step back, without any official announcement.

The Injury That Changed Everything
The former world number one explained that she decided to speak openly after doctors confirmed severe degeneration of cartilage in her knee, along with arthritis. This diagnosis made sustained high-intensity training impossible, effectively closing the door on a return to elite badminton.

She mentioned that this clarity was important for her parents and coaches to understand the seriousness of her condition. With her knee no longer able to support the pressure it once could, continuing her career was no longer a realistic option.

A Career of Comebacks and Courage
Saina’s career was marked not just by victories, but by resilience. A knee injury had threatened her journey during the 2016 Rio Olympics, raising doubts about her future in the sport. However, she made a remarkable comeback, winning a bronze medal at the 2017 World Championships and securing gold at the 2018 Commonwealth Games.

Despite these highs, recurring knee problems continued to interrupt her progress. In 2024, she openly spoke about suffering from arthritis and significant cartilage wear, which made elite-level training extremely difficult and physically draining.

Why There Was No Formal Announcement
Saina clarified that she never felt the need for a formal retirement statement. In her view, her absence from international tournaments was explanation enough. She believed that over time, fans and followers would naturally realise that she was no longer competing.

For her, retirement was not about headlines, but about accepting that her time in competitive badminton had come to an end because her body could no longer keep up with her ambitions.

Legacy Beyond Medals
Saina Nehwal leaves behind a legacy that goes far beyond medals and rankings. As the 2012 London Olympic bronze medallist, she played a pivotal role in transforming badminton into a mainstream sport in India. Her journey inspired an entire generation of young players, especially women, to dream big and compete fearlessly on the global stage.

Though she has stepped away from competitive play, Saina’s impact on Indian badminton will continue to be felt for years to come, both as a trailblazer and as a symbol of determination, discipline, and self-belief.