HYDERABAD: Accolades and praises continue to pour in, lauding the sensational feats of
Saina Nehwal as she walked away from the sport she made so popular. The former world No.1, who said there is no need to formally announce her retirement as it is understood by her prolonged absence, thanked all the top sportspersons and leading personalities who congratulated her.
Sachin Tendulkar led the chorus on Friday. “Dear Saina, your career is proof that greatness is built one day at a time, with patience, courage, and consistency. You carried Indian
badminton to the world stage and showed that belief, when matched with preparation, can change the course of a sport. Beyond the medals lies your greatest achievement. Inspiring young athletes across the country to believe that global success is possible,” Tendulkar posted on X.
Virat Kohli also wished her happy retirement. “Congratulations @NSaina on a legendary career that put Indian badminton on the world stage. Wishing you a happy, fulfilling and well-deserved retirement. India is proud," Kohli said.
PV Sindhu, who followed in the footsteps of Saina and trained with her for several years, said, "Wishing you a happy retirement, @NSaina. Thank you for everything you’ve contributed to Indian badminton. Wishing you peace, happiness, and the very best in this next phase of life.”
VVS Laxman, Mithali Raj, Andhra Pradesh chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu, his son Nara Lokesh, Union ministers G Kishan Reddy and Kiren Rijiju also congratulated Saina.
The 35-year-old shuttler said that retirement was a tough decision to take. “It's a tough decision but I had to take it. After the knee injury during the Singapore Open in 2023, the doctors told me that the cartilage has totally degenerated and I have arthritis,” Saina said, adding that she did not want to take up coaching so soon.
“I don’t want to turn into a coach immediately. I will take some time and then decide about it.”
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After joining TOI in 2005, he has been predominantly covering bad...
Read MoreAfter joining TOI in 2005, he has been predominantly covering badminton along with other sports. He has reported all the exciting moments of the badminton revolution that unfolded with the exploits of the Indian shuttlers since 2008.
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