Saina Nehwal Announces Separation from Husband Parupalli Kashyap
Saina Nehwal ends her marriage with fellow shuttler Parupalli Kashyap, citing personal growth and mutual healing.
GG News Bureau
Hyderabad, 14th July: Olympic bronze medallist and badminton icon Saina Nehwal announced her separation from husband and fellow shuttler Parupalli Kashyap on Sunday. The couple, who tied the knot in 2018 after years of friendship and shared training under coach Pullela Gopichand, have now decided to part ways.
Taking to Instagram, Saina wrote,
“Life takes us in different directions sometimes. After much thought and consideration, Kashyap Parupalli and I have decided to part ways. We’re choosing peace, growth, and healing — for ourselves and each other. I’m grateful for the memories and wish nothing but the best moving forward. Thank you for understanding and respecting our privacy during this time.”
While Saina made the announcement public, Parupalli Kashyap has not issued any official statement regarding the separation.
A Power Couple in Indian Badminton
The duo was widely admired for their on- and off-court partnership. Both trained at the Pullela Gopichand Badminton Academy in Hyderabad, with Saina rising to global fame after clinching a bronze medal at the London 2012 Olympics, becoming the second Indian woman to win an Olympic medal after weightlifter Karnam Malleswari.
Parupalli, on his part, made India proud by winning the gold medal in men’s singles at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, one of the biggest achievements of his career.
Saina also became the first Indian woman to achieve the World No.1 ranking in women’s singles in 2015, cementing her place as one of the all-time greats in Indian badminton.
Saina’s Health Concerns and Future in Badminton
The announcement comes months after Saina spoke openly about her ongoing battle with arthritis, revealing the toll it has taken on her physically and mentally.
“The knee is not very good. I have arthritis. My cartilage has gone to a bad state. It is very difficult to push for eight-nine hours,” she said during a 2024 appearance on shooter Gagan Narang’s podcast ‘House of Glory’.
“How will you challenge the best players in the world in such a state? I think I will have to accept it somewhere. Because two hours of training is not good enough to play with the highest level of players and get the desired results.”
Her remarks sparked speculation about a possible retirement, though no official word has been given.
Privacy Sought
Nehwal’s message requested the public and media to respect their privacy as the former couple embarks on new paths. The news has led to an outpouring of support on social media, with fans and fellow athletes expressing empathy and well wishes.
