India's top batsman Virat Kohli paid an emotional tribute to Saina Nehwal after the former world No.1 announced her retirement from competitive badminton due to ongoing injury problems. 

Saina, the 2012 London Olympics bronze medallist, recently opened up about her long absence from the sport, explaining that her body could no longer cope with the physical demands of elite badminton. The shuttler has been sidelined for nearly two years after struggling with a chronic knee condition that repeatedly disrupted her comeback attempts.

Through social media platforms Kohli congratulated Saina for her remarkable career which made Indian badminton known throughout the world. “Congratulations @NSaina on a legendary career that put Indian badminton on the world stage. Wishing you a happy, fulfilling and well-deserved retirement. India is proud,” he wrote, echoing the sentiments of millions of fans across the country.

Despite a strong comeback, ongoing knee problems brought an end to Saina Nehwal’s career

Saina last played in a competitive match at the Singapore Open in 2023 but she did not officially retire from the sport during that period. She later revealed that she did not feel the need for an official statement, believing her prolonged absence from competition was explanation enough.

Congratulations @NSaina on a legendary career that put Indian badminton on the world stage. Wishing you a happy, fulfilling and well-deserved retirement. India is proud. 🇮🇳🏸

— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) January 23, 2026

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Her career faced a major setback during the 2016 Rio Olympics, where she suffered a career-threatening knee injury. Saina achieved her first major comeback after her setback when she won a bronze medal at the 2017 World Championships and then won gold at the 2018 Commonwealth Games. Yet, her knee problems kept appearing and they continued to impact her life.

In 2024, Saina disclosed that she had developed arthritis and cartilage wear in her knees, which prevented her from training at the top-level intensity needed for her sport. She made her decision after realizing that her body no longer permitted her to train at the same level which had been possible for her earlier.

Saina Nehwal bows out as one of India's greatest sporting trailblazers who created a legacy which motivated an entire generation while transforming the future of Indian badminton.