In a deeply personal and emotional revelation, Olympic bronze medallist and badminton icon Saina Nehwal announced her separation from husband and fellow former shuttler Parupalli Kashyap. The news was shared late Sunday night via an Instagram story, where Saina confirmed that the couple had mutually decided to part ways after nearly six years of marriage.
“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,” Saina wrote. 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 came as a shock to fans, with the pair often seen as one of Indian sport’s most admired couples. Saina and Kashyap had tied the knot on December 14, 2018, after training and competing together for years at the renowned Pullela Gopichand Academy in Hyderabad. While Saina blazed a trail for Indian badminton by becoming the country's first Olympic medallist in the sport and reaching the world No. 1 ranking, Kashyap too had a distinguished career, including a Commonwealth Games gold in 2014 and a place in the world top 10.
Kashyap transitioned into coaching earlier this year, ending his professional playing career in early 2024. Meanwhile, Saina, 35, has been away from competitive badminton since a first-round exit at the Singapore Open in June 2023. She has spoken candidly about her battle with arthritis, most recently on the House of Glory podcast by Gagan Narang, where she hinted at retirement but said she would make a final call by the end of 2025.
Saina's career remains unmatched in Indian badminton history—she is the first Indian to win an Olympic medal in the sport (London 2012 bronze), the first to reach the final of the World Championships, and the first to win the BWF World Junior Championships. Her remarkable achievements are widely credited with sparking India’s rise as a global badminton force over the past decade.
Though this marks a difficult personal chapter, both Saina and Kashyap have asked for privacy and expressed a focus on peace and healing. The legacy they built together—on and off the court—remains an inspiration to millions.