Saina Nehwal, Parupalli Kashyap confirm split, ending years-long marriage

In a heartfelt and surprising development, Indian badminton icons Saina Nehwal and Parupalli Kashyap have officially confirmed their separation, bringing an end to their marriage of nearly five years. The couple, who tied the knot in December 2018 after years of courtship and on-court camaraderie, shared the news through a joint statement on their social media handles, requesting privacy during this personal phase.

The statement read, “After thoughtful consideration and mutual respect, we have decided to part ways. While this marks the end of our marriage, we continue to hold great respect and admiration for each other, both personally and professionally.”

Their split marks a significant moment in Indian sports, as the duo had often been seen as one of badminton’s most admired pairs — not just for their chemistry off the court but also for their mutual support during tournaments and training sessions.

Saina Nehwal, a former world No. 1 and Olympic bronze medallist, and Kashyap, a 2014 Commonwealth Games gold medallist, had trained under the same coach, Pullela Gopichand, and spent over a decade growing in the sport alongside each other. Their bond extended beyond the badminton court, with fans frequently praising their relationship for its simplicity, strength, and shared sporting spirit.

While neither party has disclosed the reasons behind the separation, sources close to the couple suggest it was a mutual decision driven by personal differences that developed over time. Despite parting ways, both Saina and Kashyap remain focused on their individual goals — Saina is expected to continue her comeback trail in international badminton, while Kashyap is pursuing roles in mentoring and coaching younger players.

The Indian sports fraternity and fans alike have responded with an outpouring of support, wishing both athletes peace and strength as they navigate this new chapter in their lives.