Olympian medallist and one time world number one badminton sensation Saina Nehwal has finally confirmed her split from husband and fellow badminton champion Parupalli Kashyap. Posting a warm message on Instagram, Saina termed the decision one taken after serious consideration and deliberation, stressing that they both opted for this route for their own “peace, growth, and healing.” In her message, Saina posted, “Life takes us in different directions sometimes.”. Following careful consideration and contemplation, Kashyap and I have made the decision to go our separate ways. We’re opting for peace, growth, and healing, against ourselves and each other.” She also thanked them for the years and memories they spent together, asking for privacy in this very personal moment.
Saina and Kashyap’s relationship had been looked up to by fans, with their journey starting out as young athletes training together at the world-renowned Pullela Gopichand Academy in Hyderabad. The two got married in December 2018 in a private ceremony, the union of two of India’s most famous badminton players. Their union was commonly perceived as a relationship that went beyond the court, with Kashyap subsequently switching to become Saina’s coach upon his retirement from competition in early 2024. He was a central figure in her corner for important tournaments, such as her significant victory over P. V. Sindhu at the 2018 National Championships.
Saina’s sporting life has been pathbreaking. She became the first Indian female badminton player to win an Olympic medal when she claimed the bronze in the London 2012 Olympics. She was the world’s number one in women’s singles in 2015 and has collected 24 international titles throughout her career. Kashyap, also, created his own success story, winning gold in the 2014 Commonwealth Games and being in the top 10 of world rankings throughout his career.
Whereas Saina’s news was greeted with sympathy and backing, Parupalli Kashyap has neither made a public comment. Surprisingly, barely a few hours before Saina’s message, Kashyap had been spotted posting light-hearted moments on Instagram from the Netherlands music festival, whooping it up as if nothing was amiss.
Over the last few months, Saina has opened up about her health issues, especially suffering from arthritis, which has affected her training and professional choices. On the ‘House of Glory’ podcast, she had indicated retiring as a professional badminton player by the end of 2025 because of these issues.
Even though their marriage has ended, Saina’s quote shows mutual respect and maturity in stating that this breakdown is not based on bitterness but on a common desire for clarity, peace, and individual development as they go separate ways.
