Virat Kohli took to X earlier today with something special. He wrote a heartfelt note for Saina Nehwal on January 23, 2026. His message got everyone talking within minutes of posting.
Saina Nehwal called time on her badminton career finally. Knee troubles wouldn’t let her play anymore at this level. She hasn’t stepped on court competitively in two years.
Knees Forced Saina to Hang Up Her Racket
Those knee issues kept coming back no matter how much rest she did. Singapore Open 2023 was the last time we saw her compete. She tried everything possible but her body said enough.
Rio 2016 changed everything for Saina in the worst way. That knee injury during the Olympics nearly finished her career then. But she’s built differently – quitting wasn’t in her DNA.
What Saina Did for Indian Badminton
London 2012 gave us that Olympic bronze medal moment. No Indian badminton player had done this before her ever. Little girls everywhere suddenly wanted to be like Saina after that.
Coming back from injuries? She mastered that better than anyone. World Championships 2017 bronze came when nobody expected it. Commonwealth Games 2018 gold was even crazier given her condition then.
Saina Nehwal’s legacy isn’t just about medals though. She opened doors that were shut tight for women before. Indian badminton won’t forget what she did for generations.
Why Virat’s Words Hit Different
Virat Kohli gets what top athletes go through daily. He’s walked away from Tests and T20Is already himself. ODIs are the only format keeping him around now.
His message wasn’t some generic celebrity thing at all. Virat Kohli genuinely respects what Saina achieved for the country. IPL comeback’s next for him after this break ends.
“Congratulations @NSaina on a legendary career that put Indian badminton on the world stage. Wishing you a happy, fulfilling and well-deserved retirement. India is proud.“
Champions speak a different language with each other basically. Virat Kohli’s tribute carried weight because he’s been there too. Both made millions of Indians believe that anything’s possible.
