Saina Nehwal Confirms Retirement from Competitive Badminton Citing Knee Injury

Indian badminton player Saina Nehwal has confirmed her retirement from competitive badminton due to chronic knee issues, including severe cartilage degeneration and arthritis. The 2012 Olympic bronze medallist last competed at the 2023 Singapore Open but did not formally announce her retirement earlier, believing her prolonged absence indicated her decision. She cited her inability to endure high-intensity training and physical demands as reasons for ending her career, describing the decision as unavoidable and made on her own terms.