Olympic medallist and celebrated Indian badminton star Saina Nehwal has officially announced her separation from fellow shuttler and husband Parupalli Kashyap, ending nearly seven years of marriage.
The couple, who tied the knot in 2018, have decided to part ways amicably. Saina made the announcement via Instagram, sharing a heartfelt note.
“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,” her statement read.
A trailblazer in Indian badminton, Saina Nehwal rose to prominence after clinching the BWF World Junior Championships in 2008. She made her Olympic debut the same year and went on to create history in 2012 by winning a bronze medal at the London Olympics — the first by an Indian female badminton player. She also became the first Indian woman to reach the Olympic quarter-finals and the first Indian to win a BWF Super Series event in 2009.
Honoured with the Arjuna Award (2009) and the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna (2010), Saina reached the world No. 1 ranking in 2015 — a milestone yet unmatched by any other Indian female shuttler. Her achievements have played a vital role in popularising badminton in India and inspiring the next generation of athletes.
Parupalli Kashyap, too, has made significant contributions to Indian badminton. He won a gold medal at the 2014 Commonwealth Games, becoming the first Indian male player to achieve the feat in 32 years. He reached the quarter-finals of the 2012 Olympics and attained a career-best world ranking of No. 6 in 2013 before injuries impacted his career.
The announcement marks the end of a personal chapter in the lives of two of India’s most successful badminton players, both of whom have left an indelible mark on the sport.
