Saina Nehwal and Parupalli Kashyap, India’s badminton power couple, have confirmed that they are going their separate ways after seven years of marriage. The announcement was made by Saina on social media on July 13, bringing an end to a relationship that spanned nearly two decades, from teenage training partners to Olympic-level players and life partners.
So what led to the separation? Who is Parupalli Kashyap? And what does this mean for their personal and professional lives going forward? Here’s what we know.
Who is Parupalli Kashyap?
Parupalli Kashyap is a former Indian badminton player and Commonwealth Games gold medallist. He represented India at the 2012 London Olympics, where he reached the quarterfinals, becoming the first Indian male shuttler to do so.
Born in Hyderabad, Kashyap trained at the same Pullela Gopichand Academy as Saina Nehwal. Their friendship began during their early training years and later evolved into a romantic relationship, which they kept largely private for over a decade.
Kashyap is known for his aggressive playing style and mentoring younger players. While he hasn’t been active in competitive badminton in recent years, he has remained involved in coaching and training, often seen assisting Saina in practice.
What did Saina Nehwal say about the separation?
In a carefully worded post on Instagram, Saina wrote:
“After much thought and reflection, Kashyap and I have mutually decided to part ways. We are grateful for the beautiful memories we created together and continue to hold immense respect for one another. We request privacy as we move forward on separate paths.”
She did not provide specific reasons for the separation, but indicated that it was a peaceful, mutual decision focused on personal growth and healing.
As of now, Kashyap has not issued a public statement.
What’s the timeline of their relationship?
- 2004–2005: Saina and Kashyap begin training under Pullela Gopichand in Hyderabad.
- 2011–2018: Rumours of their relationship surface, though the couple avoids public confirmation.
- December 14, 2018: The two get married in a private ceremony in Hyderabad.
- 2023–2024: While still seen together occasionally, Saina begins making more solo appearances, both on and off court.
- July 2025: Saina confirms their separation on Instagram.
What sparked the news now?
While there had been speculation about their relationship in recent months, the confirmation came unexpectedly on July 13. Interestingly, just hours before the post, Parupalli Kashyap shared a video from a music festival in the Netherlands, appearing relaxed and in good spirits. The contrast between his social post and the announcement sparked curiosity and speculation online.
Their split has now become one of the most talked-about separations in Indian sport, joining the likes of Sania Mirza–Shoaib Malik and Yuzvendra Chahal–Dhanashree Verma.
Why was their partnership seen as special?
Saina and Kashyap were not just a couple, they were a symbol of equal partnership in Indian sport. They trained together, traveled the circuit side-by-side, and were often seen supporting each other during matches.
In past interviews, Saina mentioned how Kashyap helped her remain calm during tournaments and how they connected over much more than just badminton. Their bond was seen as grounded, long-lasting, and far removed from glamour, something many young fans admired.
What could this mean for their future?
Their personal lives, for now, appear to be on a path of healing and self-discovery. Saina’s message clearly emphasizes “growth”, a word often used to suggest moving forward, not backward.
Professionally, Saina has been less active in international badminton over the last year, primarily due to injuries. There is speculation that she may move into coaching, mentoring, or administration within the sport. Kashyap is already informally involved in coaching and may take that up more seriously.
So, what happens next?
Both Saina Nehwal and Parupalli Kashyap remain respected names in Indian badminton. Their separation, while deeply personal, has also highlighted the pressures faced by public figures and athletes trying to balance professional intensity with private life.
While the public may focus on the breakup, it’s important to remember that both players have contributed significantly to Indian sport, and that story is far from over.
Saina Nehwal’s separation from Parupalli Kashyap marks the end of one of Indian sport’s most admired personal partnerships. While the reason behind the split remains private, the couple appears to have parted on respectful, amicable terms. For fans, it’s a moment to reflect, and to continue supporting both as they enter a new phase of life.
