NEW DELHI: Saina Nehwal, the acclaimed Indian badminton participant and former Olympic bronze medallist, has disclosed that she is battling arthritis, placing her future within the sport in jeopardy. Now 34 and beforehand ranked world No. 1, Nehwal revealed that the situation has considerably restricted her coaching capabilities, main her to contemplate retirement by the tip of this yr.
Nehwal made historical past as the primary Indian shuttler to win an Olympic medal together with her bronze victory in London 2012. Nonetheless, her profession has confronted a number of setbacks because of accidents lately. Discussing her scenario on the ‘Home of Glory’ podcast with capturing legend Gagan Narang, Nehwal didn’t draw back from admitting that her skilled life is nearing its conclusion.
“The knee will not be excellent. I’ve arthritis. My cartilage has gone to a foul state. It is vitally troublesome to push for eight-nine hours,” Nehwal revealed. “How will you problem the very best gamers on the earth in such a state? I feel I must settle for it someplace. As a result of two hours of coaching will not be ok to play with the very best stage of gamers and get the specified outcomes.”
Nehwal has been absent from aggressive play for the reason that Singapore Open greater than a yr in the past. As she battles her situation, she has begun to entertain the concept of retirement, though it weighs closely on her thoughts.
“I’m additionally interested by it (retirement). Will probably be unhappy as a result of it is sort of a job {that a} regular individual does. Clearly, a sportsperson’s profession is at all times a brief one. I began on the age of 9. I will probably be 35 subsequent yr,” she said.
Nehwal’s profession has been adorned with notable achievements, together with gold medals on the Commonwealth Video games in 2010 and 2018. Regardless of her present bodily struggles, she expressed pleasure in her journey and accomplishments.
“I’ve additionally had an extended profession, and I’m very pleased with that. I’ve damaged my physique to an incredible extent. I’m proud of what I’ve finished and given all of it. (I) will assess how I really feel by the tip of this yr,”Saina mentioned.
The Padma Shri awardee additionally opened up concerning the emotional toll of probably not competing in future Olympic Video games, a objective she has pursued since childhood.
“Competing on the Olympics is a childhood dream for all. You put together to achieve that stage for years. Therefore, at occasions, once you notice you won’t be able to make it, it hurts loads. However I’ve finished a number of laborious work. I competed in three Olympics. I gave my 100 per cent in all of them. I can take pleasure in that and be completely satisfied about it,” she added.
Nehwal made historical past as the primary Indian shuttler to win an Olympic medal together with her bronze victory in London 2012. Nonetheless, her profession has confronted a number of setbacks because of accidents lately. Discussing her scenario on the ‘Home of Glory’ podcast with capturing legend Gagan Narang, Nehwal didn’t draw back from admitting that her skilled life is nearing its conclusion.
“The knee will not be excellent. I’ve arthritis. My cartilage has gone to a foul state. It is vitally troublesome to push for eight-nine hours,” Nehwal revealed. “How will you problem the very best gamers on the earth in such a state? I feel I must settle for it someplace. As a result of two hours of coaching will not be ok to play with the very best stage of gamers and get the specified outcomes.”
Nehwal has been absent from aggressive play for the reason that Singapore Open greater than a yr in the past. As she battles her situation, she has begun to entertain the concept of retirement, though it weighs closely on her thoughts.
“I’m additionally interested by it (retirement). Will probably be unhappy as a result of it is sort of a job {that a} regular individual does. Clearly, a sportsperson’s profession is at all times a brief one. I began on the age of 9. I will probably be 35 subsequent yr,” she said.
Nehwal’s profession has been adorned with notable achievements, together with gold medals on the Commonwealth Video games in 2010 and 2018. Regardless of her present bodily struggles, she expressed pleasure in her journey and accomplishments.
“I’ve additionally had an extended profession, and I’m very pleased with that. I’ve damaged my physique to an incredible extent. I’m proud of what I’ve finished and given all of it. (I) will assess how I really feel by the tip of this yr,”Saina mentioned.
The Padma Shri awardee additionally opened up concerning the emotional toll of probably not competing in future Olympic Video games, a objective she has pursued since childhood.
“Competing on the Olympics is a childhood dream for all. You put together to achieve that stage for years. Therefore, at occasions, once you notice you won’t be able to make it, it hurts loads. However I’ve finished a number of laborious work. I competed in three Olympics. I gave my 100 per cent in all of them. I can take pleasure in that and be completely satisfied about it,” she added.
