In a public statement on Sunday, Indian badminton sensation and Olympic bronze medalist Saina Nehwal announced that she and her husband, Parupalli Kashyap, have parted ways after almost six years of marriage. The couple, both ex-top-level players, trained under ace coach Pullela Gopichand and were considered Indian badminton’s most renowned couple.
Saina Nehwal Announces Separation From Parupalli Kashyap
Taking to Instagram, Saina announced the news to her fans, stating that the decision was taken after a lot of contemplation. She stated that sometimes life gets people headed in different directions, and they’ve decided to go separate ways for the sake of peace and individual development. She also appreciated everyone for maintaining their privacy during the period. While Saina discussed the breakup, Parupalli Kashyap has not commented publicly.
The two married in December 2018 after years of camaraderie and parallel professional travels. Both enjoyed prosperous badminton careers, Saina emerged the first Indian female to be ranked world No.1 in 2015, while Kashyap made history in clinching gold at the 2014 Commonwealth Games, being the first Indian male shuttler to achieve so in more than three decades.
Saina, who won a bronze medal at the 2012 London Olympics, has had a difficult time lately with her health. During a 2024 podcast with Olympian Gagan Narang, she spoke candidly about her battle with arthritis, stating that damage to her knee cartilage has rendered full-time training and competition very challenging. She alluded to retirement being an imminent option because of these issues.
In spite of the physical disappointments, Saina’s contribution to Indian sports is unparalleled. From the Arjuna Award in 2009 to the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna in 2010, she has etched her name in history as India’s most legendary athlete.
Parupalli Kashyap, who had retired from competitive badminton in 2024, has now ventured into coaching, staying around the sport in a different role.
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