Saina Nehwal has hinted at the possibility of retirement due to ongoing issues with knee arthritis, which have made training increasingly challenging.
In a recent appearance on the House of Glory podcast, the 34-year-old badminton icon discussed her struggles with the condition. Nehwal, who made history as the first Indian shuttler to win an Olympic medal by earning bronze in the women’s singles at the 2012 London Games, revealed that her knee issues are severe.
She explained that the significant cartilage deterioration has made it nearly impossible to endure the eight to nine hours of training needed for high-level competitions.
Nehwal, a two-time Commonwealth Games gold medalist from 2010 and 2018, admitted that her usual training regimen is becoming too difficult to maintain. This has led her to contemplate whether her career may be coming to an end.
She noted that training for only two hours a day is insufficient to compete with the world’s top players, and she is coming to terms with this reality.
Arthritis, which causes joint inflammation, leads to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. While it is not always preventable, early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for managing symptoms and preventing long-term joint damage.
