Badminton stars Saina Nehwal and Parupalli Kashyap announce separation after 7 years

In an emotional Instagram post on Sunday, July 13, Indian badminton icon Saina Nehwal announced her separation from her husband and fellow shuttler Parupalli Kashyap. The couple had been together for over a decade and tied the knot in 2018.

"We're choosing peace, growth, and healing," says Saina

Saina shared a heartfelt note explaining that the decision was mutual and made after considerable thought.

“Life takes us in different directions sometimes. Kashyap and I have decided to part ways. We're choosing peace, growth, and healing – for ourselves and each other. I'm grateful for the memories and wish nothing but the best moving forward,” she wrote, also requesting privacy during this time. 

Surprising end to a long-standing partnership

The news has stunned fans and the sporting fraternity, as the couple had long been one of Indian badminton’s most beloved partnerships. Their bond extended well beyond marriage, with Kashyap often serving as Saina’s coach in the latter stages of her career. 

Who is Kashyap Parupalli?

Kashyap Parupalli is a former Olympic-level badminton player from Hyderabad. He began training at age 11 and was mentored by legendary coaches Pullela Gopichand and S. M. Arif. Despite being diagnosed with asthma — a condition that made training more difficult — Kashyap rose to become one of India’s top shuttlers.

He became the first Indian male badminton player to reach the quarterfinals of the Olympics at the 2012 London Games. His career-high world ranking came in 2013 at No. 6, and his biggest achievement was winning gold at the 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth Games.

While Saina has publicly confirmed the separation, Kashyap has not yet made a statement.

From court partners to coach and athlete

After retiring from international play, Kashyap transitioned into coaching and played a pivotal role in Saina’s attempted comebacks post-2016. He was frequently seen courtside, offering both strategic and emotional support. One of their key moments came in 2019 when Saina defeated PV Sindhu in the National Championships under his guidance. 

 Legacy of resilience and respect

Saina Nehwal, a former World No. 1 and Olympic bronze medallist, remains one of India’s most iconic athletes. Though she hasn’t officially retired, her last appearance on the professional circuit was in June 2023.

As Saina and Kashyap go their separate ways, they leave behind a legacy of commitment, resilience, and mutual respect — both on and off the court.

 With inputs from IANS