Legendary Indian cricketer and captain Mithali Raj took to social media to pay tribute to badminton great Saina Nehwal after she confirmed her retirement from competitive badminton, recognising the profound influence Nehwal has had on Indian sport.
Nehwal, a 2012 London Olympic bronze medallist and former world number one, recently confirmed that she has retired from professional badminton after nearly two decades on the international circuit.
The 35-year-old had been absent from competitive play for over two years due to chronic knee issues that made elite training and competition untenable, and she chose a reflective announcement via a podcast rather than a conventional press release.
In the wake of this news, Mithali Raj, herself an iconic figure in Indian women’s cricket took to X to honour Nehwal’s contributions. Raj highlighted that Nehwal’s legacy will endure far beyond the medals and records she amassed.
In her post, Mithali wrote: “Saina Nehwal’s career is one of many firsts and lasting impact. She carried Indian badminton to the world stage with grit, grace, and fearless ambition.” Mithali’s words struck a chord with fans across sports in India, as she emphasised the significance of Nehwal’s journey. Her tribute underscored not just the elite achievements on the court but also the inspirational pathway Nehwal created for aspiring athletes.
Saina Nehwal’s retirement marks the end of an era for Indian badminton. Her accolades include the Olympic bronze medal in 2012, multiple World Championship medals, Commonwealth Games gold in 2018, and a period spent as the world’s top ranked women’s singles player, a first for an Indian shuttler. Despite facing recurring injuries later in her career, Nehwal remained a pivotal figure in promoting and elevating Indian badminton on the global stage.
Mithali’s tribute continued by celebrating Nehwal’s enduring spirit and influence: Her legacy will live on in every young player who dares to dream big. Wishing her the very best ahead.” While Nehwal’s career may have been curtailed physically by injury, her impact extends to the cultural perception of Indian women in elite sports, something Raj implicitly referenced in her message. Tributes poured in from across the sporting world following Nehwal’s retirement announcement.
Mithali and Saina represent two of India’s most influential female sporting icons of the past two decades. Raj’s message recognises Nehwal’s trailblazing role in a sport where few Indians had previously reached the top tiers of global competition. With careers spanning record books and cultural milestones, both athletes have helped expand the aspirations of young sports women across the country.
As Saina Nehwal steps away from professional competition, the heartfelt acknowledgement from Mithali Raj encapsulates both respect and admiration from one sporting legend to another, a testament to the cross-discipline impact Nehwal has had on Indian sport.
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