Hyderabad: Star shuttler Saina Nehwal said she saw no need for a formal retirement announcement, stating that persistent knee pain had already forced her away from competitive badminton.
Speaking on a recent podcast, Saina said she had stayed away from the sport for the past two years due to physical limitations. She explained that continuing to play made little sense when her body no longer supported the demands of the game.
The 2012 London Olympics bronze medallist last appeared in competition at the Singapore Open in 2023. Since then, she has not returned to the court.
Saina said she stopped playing nearly two years ago. She added that she entered badminton out of passion, but felt no obligation to make a formal retirement statement now. According to her, stepping away becomes the right choice when the body cannot cope.
She stressed that physical readiness mattered more than emotional attachment to the sport. When the body fails to respond, she said, stopping is better than forcing a comeback.
Saina Nehwal cites knee injury behind stepping away from badminton
Explaining her decision further, Saina said several factors influenced her move, with knee pain emerging as the biggest concern. She described the injury as severe and long-standing.
She said she clearly communicated her condition to her coach and parents. According to her, they understood why continuing was no longer practical.
Saina said she never planned a retirement announcement. She felt people would gradually realise that she was no longer playing. She added that her departure did not need to become a major moment.
Downplaying the significance of her exit, Saina said her farewell was not a big event. She maintained that her focus remained on health rather than symbolic declarations.