Saina Nehwal Reflects on Glittering Career, Injury-Forced Retirement

• Saina Nehwal, Olympic medalist and former World No. 1, shared insights into her career and retirement at the Rising Bharat Summit 2026.
• Despite wanting to play more, Nehwal's career was cut short by a series of injuries, including arthritis and degenerated cartilage.
• She recalled the difficulty of saying goodbye to the sport after 24 years, having been World No. 2 at 20 and World No. 1 at 25.
• Nehwal drew parallels with Roger Federer's injury struggles and emphasized the resilience developed by sportspersons through highs and lows.
• She recounted her Rio Olympics heartbreak, where an extra bone in her knee broke just before the event, shattering her medal hopes.