“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,” former world number one badminton player Saina Nehwal has said on her Instagram account.
Nehwal has announced her separation from fellow shuttler and husband Parupalli Kashyap.
Nehwal further said, “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.”
The couple had tied the knot in December 2018 after years of training together at the Pullela Gopichand Academy in Hyderabad. One of India’s most acclaimed badminton players, Nehwal boasts of 24 international titles, including ten SuperSeries victories.
Previously, she also hinted towards possible retirement in the future due to ongoing health concerns, particularly arthritis. Speaking on shooter Gagan Narang’s podcast House of Glory in 2024, she revealed the extent of her physical struggles.
“The knee is not very good. I have arthritis. My cartilage has gone into a bad state. It is very difficult to push for 8–9 hours,” she said. “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 players and get the desired results.”