Saina Nehwal Retirement: Ace Indian shuttler Saina Nehwal has officially confirmed her retirement from competitive badminton. The former world No. 1 said her decision was forced by a long-standing knee problem that kept her away from the sport for the last two years.
Saina Nehwal (image credits : News X )
Saina Nehwal Confirms Retirement from Competitive Badminton Due to Knee Injury
Ace Indian shuttler Saina Nehwal has officially confirmed her retirement from competitive badminton. The former world No. 1 said her decision was forced by a long-standing knee problem that kept her away from the sport for the last two years.
The 2012 London Olympics bronze medallist revealed that her body can no longer handle the physical demands of top-level badminton. Her last professional match was at the 2023 Singapore Open, although she did not announce her retirement at that time.
Well played, Saina! Congratulations on an incredible career. You pushed Indian badminton forward and inspired a generation. Wishing you the very best for what's next 🙌🏻 🏸 @NSaina pic.twitter.com/upJrFGAAAf
— Yuvraj Singh (@YUVSTRONG12) January 20, 2026
Speaking on a podcast, Saina said she had already stopped playing two years ago and felt no need for a formal announcement.
“I had stopped playing two years back. I felt I entered the sport on my own terms and left on my own terms, so there was no need to announce it,” she said.
She added that once a player is no longer physically capable, it is best to accept it and move on.
💫💫💫 pic.twitter.com/yll2Kdo9sA
— Saina Nehwal (@NSaina) January 19, 2026
Saina later decided to speak publicly after doctors confirmed severe cartilage degeneration and arthritis in her knee. The condition made it impossible for her to train at a high intensity.
“Your cartilage has totally degenerated, and you have arthritis. That’s what my parents and coaches needed to know,” Saina explained.
She told them clearly that continuing her career was no longer possible.
Saina’s knee problems first became serious during the 2016 Rio Olympics, which threatened to end her career. However, she made a strong comeback by winning:
Bronze medal at the 2017 World Championships
Gold medal at the 2018 Commonwealth Games
Despite these achievements, recurring knee injuries kept troubling her. In 2024, she revealed that arthritis and cartilage wear had made elite-level badminton extremely difficult.
Now I know why Mia Blichfeldt is so salty every time she’s in India…
— Parth (@ParthK_23) January 20, 2026
33yo Saina Nehwal showed Mia her real place in 2023 by defeating her in India Open…amidst home crowd roaring…🤭😂😂 pic.twitter.com/Y7QRGweEiY
Saina said she believes her absence from tournaments was enough for people to understand that her playing days were over.
“Slowly people will realise that Saina is not playing. I didn’t think it was a big matter to announce my retirement,” she said.
She added that her knee no longer allows her to push herself the way she used to.
Saina Nehwal’s retirement marks the end of a legendary chapter in Indian badminton. From becoming India’s first Olympic medallist in the sport to inspiring generations of young players, her impact goes far beyond medals. Forced to step away due to a serious knee condition, Saina leaves the game with pride, dignity, and an unmatched legacy in Indian sports history.
