Saina Nehwal To Retire Due To Arthritis? Indian Olympic Badminton Great Says, "Cartilage Has Gone..."

03.09.2024 - 18:56 sports.ndtv.com

Ace Indian shuttler and former Olympic bronze-medallist Saina Nehwal has revealed that she is battling arthritis and will have to decide on her future in badminton by the end of this year as the ailment has made it impossible for her to train the usual hours.

The 34-year-old former world No.1, who was the first Indian shuttler to win an Olympic medal with her bronze in London 2012, participated in three editions of the Games before being hampered by injuries.

The 2010 and 2018 Commonwealth Games gold-medallist said she can no longer overlook the fact that her career is in its final leg. "The knee is not very good.

I have arthritis. My cartilage has gone to a bad state. It is very difficult to push for eight-nine hours," Nehwal said on the 'House of Glory' podcast hosted by shooting great Gagan Narang, who was India's chef-de-mission in the recent Paris Olympics. "How will you challenge the best players in the world in such a state?

badminton Olympics 2024 Paris Olympics Saina Nehwal Ace India India Singapore

Shamsher Singh was an important member of the Indian hockey team that won the bronze medal at the Paris Olympics 2024. The Indian hockey team has been on an upward curve since winning the bronze medal at the Tokyo 2020 Games. This time too, India played brilliantly till the semi-finals but faltered in the last four stage. However, India rose to the challenge in the bronze medal match to beat Spain 2-1.

Malvika Bansod Stuns Paris Olympics Medallist Gregoria Mariska Tunjung In China Open Badminton Tournament

Young Malvika Bansod pulled off a sensational straight-game victory over Paris Olympics bronze medallist Gregoria Mariska Tunjung of Indonesia in the women's singles opening round to emerge as the lone Indian survivor in the China Open Super 100 badminton tournament at Changzhou, China on Wednesday. The 22-year-old Indian, ranked 43rd in the world, displayed immense grit as she saved a game point thrice in the opening game to defeat the world No. 7 Indonesian Tunjung, seeded fifth, 26-24 21-19 in a 46-minute match, marking the biggest win of her career.

Malvika Bansod Stuns Paris Olympics Medallist Gregoria Mariska Tunjung In China Open Badminton Tournament

'Under Stress' Indian Asian Games Medallist Contemplated 'Suicide'. Reason: Missing Olympics 2024

Harmilan Bains is no stranger to challenges. After not losing a single individual race in 2021, she went through a knee surgery which kept her out for 10 months. Upon her return to action, she went on to win the silver medals in the women's 800m and 1500m categories at the 2022 Asian Games. Once a national record holder in the women's 1500m, Bains revealed the fact that she was in depression after failing to qualify for the Paris Olympics 2024 and also contemplated suicide at a point but used her situation as an example and sent an inspiring message to the young athletes of the nation.

PR Sreejesh Thanks PM Narendra Modi For Heartfelt Letter Following International Hockey Retirement

Former Indian hockey goalkeeper PR Sreejesh has expressed deep gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for recognising the immense sacrifices made by his family to enable his on-field exploits. Recently, Sreejesh received a heartfelt letter from PM Modi congratulating him on his bronze medal win at the Paris Olympics and his retirement from international hockey. In his letter, Prime Minister Modi praised Sreejesh for his "monumental contributions" to Indian hockey and his "quick reflexes, sharp instincts, and calm confidence under pressure." The PM also expressed his confidence in Sreejesh's ability to succeed as the Head Coach of the Junior Men's team. PM Modi added, "I also send my wishes to your family for the immense sacrifices they made off the field to enable your on-field exploits. It was a pleasant experience meeting them along with you a few days ago."

'Under Stress' Indian Asian Games Medallist Contemplated 'Suicide'. Reason: Missing Olympics 2024