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 12 months.
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 as a result of accidents lately. Discussing her scenario on the ‘Home of Glory’ podcast with capturing legend Gagan Narang, Nehwal didn’t shrink back from admitting that her skilled life is nearing its conclusion.
“The knee just isn’t superb. I’ve arthritis. My cartilage has gone to a nasty state. It is rather troublesome to push for eight-nine hours,” Nehwal revealed. “How will you problem the perfect gamers on the earth in such a state? I believe I should settle for it someplace. As a result of two hours of coaching just isn’t adequate to play with the 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 12 months 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 enthusiastic about it (retirement). It will likely be unhappy as a result of it is sort of a job {that a} regular particular person does. Clearly, a sportsperson’s profession is all the time a brief one. I began on the age of 9. I might be 35 subsequent 12 months,” she acknowledged.
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 delight in her journey and accomplishments.
“I’ve additionally had a protracted profession, and I’m very pleased with that. I’ve damaged my physique to an excellent extent. I’m pleased with what I’ve accomplished and given all of it. (I) will assess how I really feel by the tip of this 12 months,”Saina stated.
The Padma Shri awardee additionally opened up in regards to the emotional toll of probably not competing in future Olympic Video games, a purpose 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 understand you won’t be able to make it, it hurts lots. However I’ve accomplished lots of exhausting work. I competed in three Olympics. I gave my 100 per cent in all of them. I can take delight in that and be comfortable 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 as a result of accidents lately. Discussing her scenario on the ‘Home of Glory’ podcast with capturing legend Gagan Narang, Nehwal didn’t shrink back from admitting that her skilled life is nearing its conclusion.
“The knee just isn’t superb. I’ve arthritis. My cartilage has gone to a nasty state. It is rather troublesome to push for eight-nine hours,” Nehwal revealed. “How will you problem the perfect gamers on the earth in such a state? I believe I should settle for it someplace. As a result of two hours of coaching just isn’t adequate to play with the 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 12 months 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 enthusiastic about it (retirement). It will likely be unhappy as a result of it is sort of a job {that a} regular particular person does. Clearly, a sportsperson’s profession is all the time a brief one. I began on the age of 9. I might be 35 subsequent 12 months,” she acknowledged.
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 delight in her journey and accomplishments.
“I’ve additionally had a protracted profession, and I’m very pleased with that. I’ve damaged my physique to an excellent extent. I’m pleased with what I’ve accomplished and given all of it. (I) will assess how I really feel by the tip of this 12 months,”Saina stated.
The Padma Shri awardee additionally opened up in regards to the emotional toll of probably not competing in future Olympic Video games, a purpose 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 understand you won’t be able to make it, it hurts lots. However I’ve accomplished lots of exhausting work. I competed in three Olympics. I gave my 100 per cent in all of them. I can take delight in that and be comfortable about it,” she added.
