Indian badminton has reached the end of a golden chapter. Saina Nehwal, one of the country’s most celebrated sportspersons, has officially confirmed her retirement from competitive badminton. After struggling with a chronic knee condition for nearly two years, the Olympic medallist has chosen to step away from the sport, closing a career that transformed Indian badminton on the global stage.
Why in News?
Saina Nehwal has confirmed her retirement from competitive badminton after being inactive for almost two years due to severe knee injuries, including cartilage degeneration and arthritis.
Reason Behind Retirement and Injury Struggles
- Saina Nehwal revealed that severe cartilage degeneration and arthritis in her knees made high-intensity training impossible.
- According to her, elite-level badminton requires eight to nine hours of daily training, but her body could no longer cope beyond one or two hours.
- Frequent swelling and pain forced her to accept that continuing at the highest level was no longer feasible.
- Her decision highlights the physical toll of professional sport and the challenges athletes face when dealing with long-term injuries.
Olympic Glory and Historic Achievements
- Saina Nehwal scripted history at the London 2012 Olympics by winning a bronze medal in women’s singles, becoming the first Indian woman to win an Olympic medal in badminton.
- This achievement changed the perception of badminton in India and inspired a new generation of players.
- Her Olympic success remains one of the most iconic moments in Indian sports history and laid the foundation for India’s rise in global badminton.
Rise to World No.1 and Global Success
- In 2015, Saina reached the pinnacle of world badminton by becoming World No.1, making her only the second Indian, after Prakash Padukone, to achieve this feat.
- Her career includes winning the Indonesia Open Super Series in 2009, making her the first Indian to claim a BWF Super Series title.
- She also won Commonwealth Games gold medals, multiple international titles, and consistently ranked among the world’s best for over a decade.
World Championships and Career Comebacks
- Saina’s career was marked by resilience. Despite recurring injuries and a disappointing outing at the Rio 2016 Olympics, she made strong comebacks.
- In 2015, she won silver at the BWF World Championships, and later clinched bronze in 2017.
- She also won gold at the 2018 Commonwealth Games, proving her ability to return to the top despite physical setbacks.
- These performances reflected her fighting spirit and mental strength.
Awards and Legacy
- Saina Nehwal’s contribution to Indian sport has been recognised with top national honours, including the Padma Bhushan, Padma Shri, Khel Ratna, and Arjuna Award.
- Beyond medals, her biggest legacy lies in inspiring young athletes, especially women, to pursue badminton professionally.
- She played a key role in making India a global badminton powerhouse and paved the way for future champions.
Key Summary at a Glance
| Aspect | Details |
| Why in News? | Saina Nehwal confirmed retirement from badminton |
| Last Competitive Match | Singapore Open 2023 |
| Major Olympic Achievement | Bronze medal, London 2012 |
| World Ranking Peak | World No.1 in 2015 |
| Key Injury Issue | Cartilage degeneration and arthritis |
Question
Q. Saina Nehwal became the first Indian woman to win an Olympic medal in badminton at which Olympics?
A. Beijing 2008
B. London 2012
C. Rio 2016
D. Tokyo 2020