One of India’s most celebrated sportspersons, Saina Nehwal, has announced her separation from her husband and former Commonwealth Games gold medallist Parupalli Kashyap.

The Olympic bronze medallist broke the news through a statement on Instagram late Sunday night, describing the decision as one taken after “much thought and consideration.”

“Life takes us in different directions sometimes. After much thought and consideration, Kashyap Parupalli and I have decided to part ways. We’re choosing peace, growth, and healing, for ourselves and each other. I’m grateful for the memories and wish nothing but the best moving forward. Thank you for understanding and respecting our privacy during this time,” she wrote.

The couple married in 2018, having trained for years at the Pullela Gopichand Academy in Hyderabad, where both emerged as top names in Indian badminton. Nehwal, who won the bronze medal at the London 2012 Olympics, was the first Indian woman to achieve the World No.1 ranking in women’s singles in 2015.

Parupalli, meanwhile, earned national acclaim after winning the men’s singles gold at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. Though he has not issued any public statement regarding the separation, the announcement from Nehwal brings an end to one of Indian sport’s most visible partnerships.

Also read: Sania Nehwal hints retirement upon dealing with arthritis

The 34-year-old Nehwal has recently battled health issues that have affected her sporting career. In a candid podcast appearance last year, she revealed she had been struggling with arthritis and significant cartilage damage in her knees.

“The knee is not very good. I have arthritis. My cartilage has gone to a bad state. It is very difficult to push for eight-nine hours,” she said in conversation with former shooter Gagan Narang on his ‘House of Glory’ podcast.

“Two hours of training is not good enough to play with the highest level of players and get the desired results,” she added, acknowledging that her professional future in badminton might be nearing a close.

Nehwal remains the second Indian woman to win an Olympic medal, following weightlifter Karnam Malleswari. Her contribution to Indian sport spans over a decade and includes multiple Commonwealth and Super Series titles, along with being a pioneering figure in Indian badminton.