New Delhi (National Times): Indian badminton icon and Olympic medallist Saina Nehwal has confirmed her separation from husband and fellow shuttler Parupalli Kashyap, bringing an end to their nearly seven-year-long marriage.
The announcement came via Saina’s official Instagram account, where she posted a heartfelt note acknowledging the mutual decision.
“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,” she wrote.
The couple, who tied the knot in 2018, had long been considered a power duo in Indian badminton, having trained together under coach Pullela Gopichand and supported each other through their careers.
Saina Nehwal: A Trailblazer for Indian Badminton
Hailing from Haryana, Saina Nehwal rose to prominence after winning the BWF World Junior Championships in 2008. That same year, she made her Olympic debut and became the first Indian woman to reach the quarterfinals at the Olympics.
Her major breakthrough came in 2009, when she became the first Indian to win a BWF Super Series title. Over the years, Saina’s accolades continued to grow. She was honoured with the Arjuna Award (2009), Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna (2010), and later achieved the historic feat of becoming world No. 1, the only Indian woman to do so in badminton.
Saina’s legacy is defined not only by medals and titles but also by the inspiration she has provided to countless young athletes across India.
Parupalli Kashyap: A Stalwart in His Own Right
Parupalli Kashyap, a 2014 Commonwealth Games gold medallist, holds his own place in Indian badminton history. His victory in Glasgow marked the first singles gold medal by an Indian male badminton player at the Commonwealth Games in over three decades.
He was also the first Indian male to reach the quarter-finals of the Olympics, a feat he achieved at the London 2012 Games. Despite battling injuries throughout his career, Kashyap reached a career-high world ranking of No. 6 in 2013 and trained under two legends of Indian badminton—Prakash Padukone and Pullela Gopichand.
End of an Era
The announcement marks the end of a much-admired relationship within the Indian sports fraternity. While both Saina and Kashyap have made significant contributions to the sport, their decision to separate has drawn messages of support and empathy from fans and fellow athletes.
As they move forward on separate paths, both continue to command immense respect for their individual achievements and the legacy they’ve created in Indian badminton.
