Indian badminton legend Saina Nehwal has officially stepped away from competitive badminton, citing long-term injuries as the reason for her decision. The former world number one revealed that chronic knee problems have made it impossible for her to continue playing at the highest level.

Speaking on a podcast, Saina said she is no longer physically capable of competing. Severe knee pain and repeated injuries have kept her away from the court for a long time, ultimately forcing her to step back from the sport.

“I stopped playing nearly two years ago. I entered the sport on my own terms and I am leaving it the same way,” Saina said, adding that she has developed arthritis and the cartilage in her knee is completely worn out, making elite-level performance impossible.

She explained that while she once trained eight to nine hours a day, even one or two hours of light practice now leads to knee swelling. “My knees no longer support the demands of training, so this decision became unavoidable,” she noted.

Saina Nehwal, who won a historic bronze medal at the 2012 London Olympics, last appeared professionally at the 2023 Singapore Open. Diagnosed with arthritis in 2024, she now closes a remarkable chapter in Indian sports, leaving behind a legacy that will inspire generations to come.