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Nehwal, an Olympic medalist and former World No. 1, spoke about her decision to call time on her career following a string of injuries, despite her desire to go on a bit further.
Saina Nehwal. (News18)
Legendary Indian badminton player Saina Nehwal gave a glimpse into her glorious career, trailblazing feats and the legacy she has left behind for players to come to try and emulate at the Rising Bharat Summit 2026 on Thursday.
Nehwal, an Olympic medalist and former World No. 1, spoke about her decision to call time on her career following a string of injuries, despite her desire to go on a bit further.
“It was obviously tough, when you play for almost 24 years it isn’t easy to say goodbye to the sport,” the 35-year-old said.
“I became World No. 2 at 20 and World No.1 at 25, a lot of memories along the journey and being in the top 12 for 12 years, playing 500 games and finally getting to you have arthritis, and your cartilage is degenerated,” she added.
“Doctors say it might not even improve even with surgery. First couple of months are really tough cause you’re angry and sad.”
“I wanted to play more, but you become a machine as an athlete and you make you peace with it,” Nehwal stated.
Nehwal recalled the example of tennis great Roger Federer, who also had to deal with knee injuries towards the end of his career and tried his best to work things out before ultimately calling time on his glittery career.
“I’ve seen Federer who has played for so long, and he wanted to go back despite his injury and he tried to for a whole year before calling time,” she recalled.
Nehwal also reflected on the many lows and few highs in the career of a sportsperson and how it helps shape the person on a holistic level.
“Sports people have many low point and few high points.”
“You’re resilient and you have come out of situations quickly, and that’s why retirement became easier.”
Saina also reflected on the time her knee started acting up and her Olympic dream was shattered despite heading to the Rio Games at the top of her game and the world.
“One was the Rio Olympics, I was World No.1 and I was medal contender, the previous one was bronze and I wanted to better,” she recalled.
“I was strong physically, but I felt a pinch in my knee and thought it would get better in a couple of days before the flight.”
“But I still felt the pain, I was limping everywhere and tried cortisol too. I had to take an MRI and check what it was. I was crying on the court, and I called my dad and he got there,” Nehwal explained.
“We came back to Mumbai, not Hyderabad, to consult the best orthopedic doctor, Dinshaw Pardiwala. And he lauded me for playing the two games through the pain. And he told me that I had an extra bone in knee and it broke before the event,” she added.
“It was just sour luck that it happened when it did and not before or after, but let us get you into a surgery and get ready for the next one,” Nehwal stated.
Nehwal also spoke about the importance of keeping yourself motivated to reach for more as a sportsperson and not having the luxury of resting on your laurels.
“We as sportsperson have the hunger ton win medal, not just Olympics, every tournament. And when you look at thought opposition from China, you have the feeling of beating them,” she said.
“No words to explain that feeling, but I got back, did the rehab and when I was back with winning the Malaysian Open, but I can’t shake off that feeling. Nothing helps, but you have to stay motivated.”
“You need to keep doing what you love, and without that nothing feels complete. And that’s what you need to do.”
February 27, 2026, 12:10 IST
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