Indian badminton stars Saina Nehwal and Parupalli Kashyap have confirmed they are “trying again,” just 19 days after publicly announcing their decision to part ways.
A Fresh Start
Saina Nehwal shared an update on her Instagram account on Saturday, revealing that she and her husband, Parupalli Kashyap, are giving their relationship another chance. The post featured a photo of the couple, captioned, “Sometimes distance teaches you the value of presence. Here we are—trying again.”
This heartwarming news comes swiftly after Saina’s previous announcement on July 14, where she stated the couple had decided to part ways.
Their Shared Journey
Saina and Kashyap, both prominent figures in Indian badminton, tied the knot in December 2014. Their journey together began much earlier, as they trained side-by-side at the renowned Pullela Gopichand badminton academy.
While Saina’s official retirement status remains unclear, Kashyap, 38, has transitioned into coaching at the same academy. He works with singles players, bringing his experience from a career that saw him break into the world top 10 and clinch a memorable Commonwealth Games gold in 2014.
Saina’s Illustrious Career
Saina Nehwal is undoubtedly one of India’s most celebrated athletes, having made a significant global impact in badminton. She rose to become a global icon, achieving an Olympic bronze medal at London 2012 and ascending to the world No. 1 ranking in the BWF.
Her career is marked by many firsts for India, including being the first Indian badminton player to win an Olympic medal, reach the World Championships final, and win the BWF World Junior Championships. She has been battling injuries in recent years and hasn’t played professionally since the Singapore Open in June 2023.
The Prior Announcement
Just over two weeks before this latest update, Saina had shared an emotional statement on her Instagram story. “Life takes us in different directions sometimes. After much thought and consideration, Kashyap Parupalli and I have decided to part ways,” she had written.
Her previous statement emphasized choosing “peace, growth, and healing” for both of them, and she expressed gratitude for the memories while wishing for privacy. The recent turnaround highlights a change of heart and a renewed commitment between the couple.
A Sporting Legacy That Inspired a Nation
Beyond her personal life, Saina Nehwal’s professional legacy continues to inspire. Popular badminton commentator Gill Clark once lauded Saina for spearheading a “badminton revolution” in India. Clark compared Saina’s impact to that of tennis legend Billie Jean King, noting how Saina, alongside other female athletes, helped reshape perceptions of women’s sports in India.
Saina not only ignited widespread interest and participation in badminton across the country, but her success also instilled belief in other Indian players that victory was achievable. H.S. Prannoy, another top Indian shuttler, credited Saina’s mindset for transforming how Indian players approached tougher opponents.
- Saina Nehwal and Parupalli Kashyap are back together after a brief separation.
- Saina is a trailblazing Indian badminton player with an Olympic medal and World No. 1 ranking.
- Kashyap is a Commonwealth Games gold medalist and now coaches at the Gopichand academy.
- Saina’s legacy is credited with inspiring a badminton revolution and changing perceptions of women’s sports in India.
As they embark on this new chapter, Saina and Kashyap continue to be prominent figures, both on and off the court, within India’s sporting landscape.
