'Maybe In Two Or Three Years': Saina Nehwal On Coaching Plans After Retirement | Exclusive

Last Updated:February 28, 2026, 07:15 IST

London Olympics bronze medallist Saina Nehwal opens up on retirement, injury struggles and why coaching is not on her radar yet, while backing India’s next generation to rise.

When London Olympics bronze medallist Saina Nehwal officially retired, it marked more than the end of an 18-year career; it signalled the close of a defining chapter in Indian badminton.

A trailblazer who redefined the possibilities for Indian women in the sport, Saina leaves behind a glittering résumé: an Olympic bronze at the 2012 London Olympics, two World Championship medals, two singles gold medals at the Commonwealth Games, an Asian Games bronze and three Asian Championships medals. For over a decade, Saina stood at the forefront of India’s rise as a badminton powerhouse.

Yet, stepping away hasn’t been easy.

“It has been mixed emotions," Saina said in an exclusive interaction with News18 Sports at the News18 Rising Bharat Summit 2026. “At times, I still feel like I am in player mode and at other times, I wonder if it’s really over. It is going to take a little more time to process it."

The decision, Saina admits, was driven more by her body than her mind. For almost 18 months before calling time, she battled persistent knee trouble.

“I wasn’t well for the last year and a half because of my knee; it just wasn’t right. We had it checked several times, and the doctor told me it wouldn’t improve the way I wanted," Saina reveals.

For an athlete who built her identity around resilience and a relentless work ethic, accepting physical limitation was perhaps the toughest rally of all.

“That is when I had to make a decision. I didn’t want to push myself any further. I have given it everything. If the surgery isn’t going to help and arthritis cannot be reversed, then it’s better to ease up and take care of my body," Saina says.

While contemporaries like Guru Sai Dutt have transitioned into full-time coaching roles, Saina is in no rush to follow suit.

“Not at the moment. I am really happy doing motivational talks, guiding youngsters and taking up general shoots and appearances. Right now, I am content with all of that," Saina explains.

Coaching, she believes, demands a very different mindset.

“It’s like teaching. As a student, I think I was very good, that felt much easier. But being a teacher is far more demanding. You have to prepare yourself for that responsibility," Saina says, leaving the door ajar for the future.

“Maybe in two or three years, I might change my mind," she adds.

Saina’s retirement coincides with a turbulent phase for Indian badminton. Titles have dried up over the last two years. The sport’s exclusion from the 2026 Commonwealth Games after the host city shifted from Victoria to Glasgow, leading to budget-driven cuts, has also come as a jolt.

“Yes, it was hard to believe," Saina admits. “Over the last few editions, we won gold medals and were very strong at the CWG, so not having it this time came as a big surprise. It is disappointing not just for me, but for all athletes."

Still, Saina’s response reflects the mindset of a champion forged in high-pressure arenas.

“At the end of the day, all you can do is try again. You regroup, work harder and focus on targets like the Asian Games, the Olympics and the BWF Tour," Saina says. “It’s unsettling, but as shuttlers, we know only one way forward: keep training, keep improving. The biggest dream is the Olympics and I hope we bring home many more medals next time."

Throughout her journey, Saina has often credited her parents for shaping her career.

Asked how crucial parental backing is for young athletes today, her answer was emphatic.

“When you start playing a sport, it’s never easy to imagine you will become the best in the world. That journey requires immense parental support," Saina says.

In an era where both parents often work, she acknowledges the sacrifices required. “It is not easy for one parent to devote themselves to the child’s sporting career. It can even create tension. But to build a champion, it’s a grind, nine to 10 hours every single day."

Saina likens nurturing a young athlete to caring for a baby.

“An athlete’s primary focus is just to play. Everything else, physios, trainers, mental conditioning, must be in place to ensure they are confident and match-ready." By the mid-teen years, Saina believes, clarity starts to emerge.

“By 14, 15 or 16, coaches can gauge a player’s level. That’s when parents and coaches can sit together and decide the path ahead. Until Class 10 or 11, children should keep playing and see how it unfolds. After that, your body, your parents and your coaches will guide you."

Saina’s advice is simple but profound: “Keep hope alive, train, stay disciplined and give 100% every day. Results will follow. But it all starts with how dedicated the parents are."

With Saina’s departure, attention shifts to the future of Indian women’s badminton. Two-time Olympic medallist PV Sindhu remains the torchbearer at 30, but questions linger about the next wave.

“Who after Saina and Sindhu?" has become a recurring debate within the fraternity. The former doesn’t shy away from the comparison.

“When we were at our peak, we were just 14, 15 or 16, already winning Grand Prix Gold and Super Series titles at the highest level," Saina recalls.

Today’s youngsters, she insists, are talented, but consistency remains the missing piece.

“In men’s singles, we have a few players performing well. In women’s singles, we are seeing encouraging results, pre-quarterfinals, quarterfinals and some good performances on tour, but not yet that sustained consistency."

Transitions, Saina says, are natural.

“Every country goes through phases like this. I believe India is in that phase right now and it will not last forever. The girls are talented, motivated and have strong backing. I am confident that in the next two or three years, we will see champions emerge." As for replicating the consistency once shown by her, Sindhu and Kidambi Srikanth?

“That may take a little more time," Saina smiles. “But the talent is there," she concludes.

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