Saina Nehwal opens up on struggles with arthritis, 'thinking about' retirement

Star India shuttler Saina Nehwal revealed that she has been battling with arthritis, which might have put her career into trouble. She revealed that the issue with her knees has been troublesome and limiting her capability to train. The star shuttler might even consider retirement by the end of this year due to the same. Nehwal made history as she became the first-ever Indian to win an Olympic medal in badminton category. She won a bronze medal in the women's singles category at the London Olympics 2012.

"The knee is not very good. I have arthritis. My cartilage has gone to a bad state. It is very difficult to push for 8-9 hours. How will you challenge the best players in the world in such a state? I think I will have to accept it somewhere. Because 2 hours of training is not good enough to play with the highest level of players and get the desired results," Saina said in the House of Glory podcast by Gagan Narang, who was India's Chef de Mission at Paris Olympics 2024.

Nehwal did not participate in competitive badminton since her Singapore Open appearance last year. As she battles arthritis, she is considering retirement as well by the end of the year. Although, she did not disclose it completely, but admitted the short career-span of an



sportsperson.

"I am also thinking about it. It will be sad because it is like a job that a normal person does. Obviously, a sports person's career is always a short one. I started at the age of 9. I will be 35 next year. So, I have also had a long career. And I am very proud of that. I have broken my body to a great extent. I am happy with what I have done and given it all. Will assess how I feel by the end of this year," she said.

The Padma Shree award winner had a decorated career with two gold medals in Commonwealth Games in 2010 and 2018. Despite her recent struggles, Nehwal expressed pride in representing her country at a global level. However, she was also upset over not being able to compete in Olympics again, which was her childhood dream.

"Competing at the Olympics is a childhood dream for all. You prepare to reach that level for years. Hence, at times, when you realise you will not be able to make it, it hurts a lot. Because it is not like you do not want to play, but your body is telling that you are not doing well and you have injuries."

"But I have done a lot of hard work. I competed in three Olympics. I gave my 100% in all of them. I can take pride in that and be happy about it," she added.