Game, Set... Apart: Badminton’s Golden Duo Announces Split

Image Source: Anandabazaar

In a heartfelt announcement that has stirred the Indian sports community, Olympic bronze medallist Saina Nehwal revealed her separation from fellow badminton star and husband Parupalli Kashyap. The couple, who married in December 2018 after a decade-long relationship, shared the news via Instagram on July 13, citing personal growth and peace as their guiding reasons.

Key Points from the Announcement

Saina appreciated the moments they shared together and emphasized respect for each other in making their decision to part ways.

The news was announced on a private Instagram post, and Kashyap has not made any public statement.

A Partnership Beyond the Court

Their romance blossomed against the background of years of training at the Pullela Gopichand Academy in Hyderabad.

Kashyap transitioned from player to coach, guiding Saina through her post-2016 injury-plagued years.

Their professional partnership culminated in 2019 when Saina had beaten PV Sindhu with Kashyap as her coach in the National Championships.

Legacy of Sporting Excellence

Saina Nehwal is India's first Olympic badminton medalist and first Indian woman world no. 1 ranked.

Some of her awards are Olympic, World Championship, Commonwealth Games, and Asian Games medals.

Previous world no. 6 Kashyap claimed gold at the 2014 Commonwealth Games and Olympic quarterfinals in 2012.

Current Status

Saina's last competitive tournament was in June 2023, and though she is not retired, her focus has shifted away from competing.

Kashyap shifted to coaching since the beginning of 2024.

Sources: India Today, MSN India, The Tribune, NDTV Sports, Indian Express, Economic Times, Livemint