Saina Nehwal To Retire Due To Arthritis? Indian Olympic Badminton Nice Says, “Cartilage Has Gone…”

Ace Indian shuttler and former Olympic bronze-medallist Saina Nehwal has revealed that she is battling arthritis and must resolve on her future in badminton by the tip of this 12 months because the ailment has made it inconceivable for her to coach the standard hours. The 34-year-old former world No.1, who was the primary Indian shuttler to win an Olympic medal together with her bronze in London 2012, participated in three editions of the Video games earlier than being hampered by accidents. The 2010 and 2018 Commonwealth Video games gold-medallist mentioned she will not overlook the truth that her profession is in its remaining leg.

“The knee just isn’t superb. I’ve arthritis. My cartilage has gone to a foul state. It is extremely tough to push for eight-nine hours,” Nehwal mentioned on the ‘Home of Glory’ podcast hosted by taking pictures nice Gagan Narang, who was India’s chef-de-mission within the current Paris Olympics.

“How will you problem the perfect gamers on the earth in such a state? I believe I must settle for it someplace. As a result of two hours of coaching just isn’t adequate to play with the very best stage of gamers and get the specified outcomes,” she added.

Nehwal mentioned she remains to be contemplating the impression retirement could have on her however admitted that she would ultimately must take a name. The trailblazing star, who can also be a BJP member now, was final seen in motion greater than a 12 months in the past within the Singapore Open the place she misplaced within the opening spherical.

“I’m additionally eager about it (retirement). Will probably 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 can be 35 subsequent 12 months,” she mentioned.

“I’ve additionally had a protracted profession and I’m very happy with that. I’ve damaged my physique to an awesome extent. I’m proud of what I’ve carried out and given all of it. (I) will assess how I really feel by the tip of this 12 months,” she added.

The Padma Shri awardee mentioned competing on the Olympics was her childhood dream and lacking the showpiece for 2 consecutive editions has been hurtful.

“Competing on the Olympics is a childhood dream for all. You put together to succeed in that stage for years. Therefore, at instances, once you realise you will be unable to make it, it hurts rather a lot,” she expressed.

“As a result of it isn’t like you don’t want to play, however your physique is telling that you’re not doing properly and you’ve got accidents.”

Nehwal, nevertheless, mentioned she would look again at her run within the Video games with satisfaction. “However I’ve carried out quite a lot of arduous work. I competed in three Olympics. I gave my 100 per cent in all of them. I can take satisfaction in that and be pleased about it,” she mentioned.

Nehwal additionally spoke in regards to the strain of expectations and mentioned as a prime athlete, she has confronted it not simply from observers of the sport but additionally from close to and pricey ones.

“Whenever you grow to be a giant participant, your pals, household, coaches, sponsors, everybody needs you to carry out. There are quite a lot of stakeholders concerned,” she mentioned.

“With already a brief profession span, athletes can not afford to take a four-year break and must preserve performing constantly. In case you want to grow to be a global champion, it’s a must to be sturdy to make powerful selections,” she added.