New Delhi: Indian badminton ace Saina Nehwal has announced her separation from husband and fellow shuttler Parupalli Kashyap, marking the end of their seven-year marriage and two-decade-long friendship. In a statement shared on Instagram shortly after midnight on Sunday, July 13, Nehwal said the decision was made after considerable thought and discussion. “Life sometimes leads us down different paths. After much thought and discussion, Kashyap and I have decided to part ways. We are choosing peace, growth, and wellness,” she stated, requesting privacy during this time.
Nehwal and Kashyap met at the Pullela Gopichand Badminton Academy in Hyderabad and tied the knot in 2018. While the reasons for their separation remain undisclosed, Nehwal expressed gratitude for the moments shared with Kashyap. Saina, a former World No. 1 and Olympic bronze medallist, last played on the professional circuit in June 2023. She was the first Indian woman to achieve the top world ranking in singles and only the second Indian woman to win an Olympic medal after Karnam Malleswari. Kashyap, a 2014 Commonwealth Games gold medallist and former top-10 player, announced his retirement from competitive badminton earlier this year and has since taken up coaching.
India’s star shuttlers Saina Nehwal and Parupalli Kashyap announce separation after 7 years of marriage pic.twitter.com/ttZKcfagez
— RCBIANS OFFICIAL (@RcbianOfficial) July 13, 2025