Hyderabad: Olympic medalist Saina Nehwal announces separation from husband Parupalli Kashyap after 6 years

Hyderabad: Olympic bronze medal-winning badminton player Saina Nehwal has announced separation from husband Parupalli Kashyap. The couple, who were married on December 14, 2018, trained and competed alongside each other for several years and were among Indian badminton’s most recognisable faces.

Separation Confirmed via Instagram

Saina shared the news late Sunday night through an Instagram story. In her statement, she said:

“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.”

She added, “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.”

The announcement was met with surprise and concern across social media, with fans expressing support and sadness over the news.

A Long Sporting Journey Together

Saina and Kashyap began their careers training under Pullela Gopichand at his academy in Hyderabad. Their friendship and eventual relationship developed during years of national and international play.

Saina, 35, is India’s first Olympic medallist in badminton, having secured a bronze at the London 2012 Games. She was also the first Indian woman to reach the final of the Badminton World Championships and achieve a World No. 1 ranking.

Kashyap, 37, reached the top 10 in the BWF rankings and won gold at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. He announced his retirement from professional badminton in early 2024 and has since taken up coaching.

Hints at Retirement

Saina has been away from the professional circuit since June 2023, following a first-round exit at the Singapore Open. In a conversation on the House of Glory podcast hosted by Olympian Gagan Narang, she spoke about her long struggle with arthritis and reflected on retirement.

“I am also thinking about it,” she said, noting that she planned to evaluate her decision at the end of 2025.

Fans React to Past Social Media Post

Following the announcement, an earlier birthday post by Kashyap resurfaced online, leaving many puzzled about the couple’s current equation. The post, shared just a few months ago, featured cheerful photos of the duo.

“They say teamwork makes the dream work… but let’s be honest, I’m mostly just here for moral support. Happy Birthday, Saina,” Kashyap had written.

In one of the images, he was seen planting a kiss on Saina’s cheek — a moment that now stands in stark contrast to their separation.

Moving Forward

Both Saina and Kashyap have asked for privacy during this time. The pair has contributed immensely to Indian badminton, and their legacy in the sport remains intact. While personal chapters may be closing, their impact on India’s badminton journey continues to inspire.