Saina Nehwal: Age, Height, Career, Wife, Girlfriend, Family, Biography & More

Saina Nehwal Quick Info

AgeHeightNet WorthProfession
33 Years5 ft 6 in$12 millionBadminton Player
Saina Nehwal

Biography – Wiki

Full nameSaina Kashyap Nehwal
Nickname(s)Steffi Saina
ProfessionIndian Professional Badminton Player, Athlete & Politician
HandednessRight
Physical Stats – Height – Weight & More
Height1.65 m (5 ft 5 in)
Weight65 kg (143 lb)
Figure (Bust Size, Waist Size, Hip Size)34-30-36
Skin ColorWheatish
Hair ColourBlack
Eye ColourHazel Brown
Exploring the Personal Life of Saina Nehwal
Date of BirthSaina Nehwal was born on 17 March 1990.
AgeAs of 2024, Saina Nehwal is 33 years old.
BirthplaceShe was born in Hisar, Haryana, India.
Zodiac signSaina Nehwal's zodiac sign is Pisces.
NationalityShe holds Indian nationality.
HometownHer hometown is Hisar, Haryana, India.
School(s)Saina Nehwal attended several schools, including Campus School, CCS HAU, Hisar, Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan Public School, Hyderabad, National Institute of Rural Development (NIRD) School Rajendranagar, Hyderabad, and St. Ann's College for Women, Hyderabad.
Educational QualificationShe completed her education up to 12th standard.
ReligionSaina Nehwal follows Hinduism.
HobbiesHer hobbies include traveling.
Player Profile: Saina Nehwal
Women's singles
Career record451 wins, 223 losses
Highest ranking1 (2 April 2015[5][6])
Current ranking97 (9 January 2024[7])
Medal record
Women's badminton
Representing India
Olympic Games
 2012 LondonWomen's singles
World Championships
 2015 JakartaWomen's singles
 2017 GlasgowWomen's singles
Uber Cup
 2014 New DelhiWomen's team
 2016 KunshanWomen's team
Commonwealth Games
 2010 New DelhiWomen's singles
 2018 Gold CoastWomen's singles
 2018 Gold CoastMixed team
 2010 New DelhiMixed team
 2006 MelbourneMixed team
Asian Games
 2014 IncheonWomen's team
 2018 Jakarta–PalembangWomen's singles
Asian Championships
 2010 New DelhiWomen's singles
 2016 WuhanWomen's singles
 2018 WuhanWomen's singles
World Junior Championships
 2008 PuneGirls' singles
 2006 IncheonGirls' singles
Commonwealth Youth Games
 2008 PuneGirls' singles
 2004 BendigoMixed team
Exploring the Family Tree: An Insight into Family Details
FamilyFather: Harvir Singh Nehwal, Saina’s father has a PhD in agricultural science, who worked at Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University.
Mother: Usha Rani Nehwal was a state level badminton player in Haryana.
Siblings: Sister - Abu Chandranshu Nehwal is a volleyball player and she joined BJP along with Saina.
Saina’s Early Career Journey
N/AAt the age of eight, when her father was promoted and transferred from Haryana to Hyderabad, Saina Nehwal took up badminton to express herself, as she didn't know the local language well enough to socialize with other kids.
Her parents, who played badminton for several years, influenced her interest in the sport.
Saina Nehwal's mother, Usha Rani, was a state-level badminton player in Haryana.
Nehwal pursued badminton to fulfill her mother's dream of becoming a national-level player.
She began her training under the guidance of Pullela Gopichand at his academy, Gopichand Badminton Academy.
Saina’s Professional Career Journey
2005At the age of 15, Saina Nehwal won an Asian Satellite tournament in New Delhi in 2005, defeating Aparna Popat in the final in straight games.
2006Nehwal became the under-19 national champion in 2006 and claimed her second Indian Asian Satellite tournament. In May of the same year, at the age of 16, she made history by becoming the first Indian woman and the youngest player from Asia to win a 4-star tournament – the Philippines Open. She entered the tournament as the 86th seed and went on to stun several top-seeded players, including the then world number two Huaiwen Xu, before defeating Julia Wong Pei Xian of Malaysia for the title. Nehwal also made her debut in the International badminton circuit and participated in the World Championships, where she lost to Jiang Yanjiao of China. Additionally, she reached the final of the 2006 BWF World Junior Championships, where she lost a hard-fought match against top seed Chinese Wang Yihan. Nehwal also competed at the Doha Asian Games.
2007In 2007, at the young age of 17, Nehwal took part in the All England Championships, where she challenged experienced Wang Chen in round 2 but went down in 3 games 21–17, 13–21, 16–21. She represented India at the Sudirman Cup in Scotland. At the 2007 BWF World Championships, she won her opening matches against Jeanine Cicognini of Switzerland and 13th seed Juliane Schenk of Germany but lost in the next round to French Pi Hongyan with scores 13–21, 17–21. Nehwal was also a finalist at the Indian International challenge in 2007, where she lost to Kanako Yonekura in 2 games.
2008Two years after losing the final to Wang Yihan, Saina Nehwal made history by becoming the first Indian to win the World Junior Championships in 2008. She achieved this feat by defeating ninth-seeded Japanese Sayaka Sato with scores of 21–9, 21–18. Nehwal participated in the 2008 Beijing Olympics as an unseeded player. In the tournament, she began her campaign with victories against Russian Ella Diehl (2–0) in the first round and Ukrainian Larisa Griga (2–0) in the second round. Nehwal's remarkable run continued as she became the first Indian woman to reach the quarter-finals by upsetting reigning Asian Games champion and number four seed, Wang Chen of Hong Kong, in a thrilling three-game encounter. However, in the quarter-finals, Nehwal faced a tough challenge against world number 16 Maria Kristin Yulianti. Despite leading 11–3 in the decider, she couldn't hold on against her opponent and lost the match with a 28–26, 14–21, 15–21 scoreline.
In September 2008, Nehwal clinched the Chinese Taipei Open 2008 title by defeating Lyddia Cheah of Malaysia with scores of 21–8, 21–19. She also reached the semifinals at the China Masters Superseries after defeating reigning World Champion Zhu Lin in the quarterfinals. Nehwal emerged victorious at the Commonwealth Youth Games by defeating her compatriot N. Sikki Reddy in two games. Her outstanding performances earned her the title of "The Most Promising Player" by the Badminton World Federation in 2008. Nehwal also qualified for the season-ending Superseries Finals, where she faced tough competition. She defeated Pi Hongyan and Wong Mew Choo in the early rounds but ultimately lost to Tine Rasmussen in round 3. Despite entering the semifinals, she couldn't overcome Wang Chen, losing with scores of 21–15, 14–21, 16–21.
2009In June 2009, Saina Nehwal made history by becoming the first Indian to win a BWF Super Series title, the most prestigious badminton series globally, by clinching the Indonesia Open. She achieved this remarkable feat by defeating Chinese player Wang Lin in a thrilling final with scores of 12–21, 21–18, 21–9. Expressing her joy after winning the tournament, Nehwal stated, "I had been longing to win a super series tournament since my quarter-final appearance at the Olympics." Her victory placed her on par with legendary badminton players like Prakash Padukone and her mentor Pullela Gopichand, who both secured victories in the prestigious All England Championships, which hold a similar status to the Super Series.
In August of the same year, Nehwal reached the quarterfinals of the World Championships, where she faced a tough challenge against the second seed, Wang Lin. She also qualified for the season-ending Superseries Finals in December, where she encountered stiff competition. Although she lost her opening match to Wong Mew Choo, who eventually became the champion, Nehwal bounced back by winning her next two group matches against Porntip Buranaprasertsuk and Canada's Charmaine Reid. Despite reaching the semifinals of the tournament once again, she couldn't advance further, this time losing to Germany's Juliane Schenk. Nehwal continued her successful streak by winning the India Grand Prix tournament later in the year, defeating her compatriot Aditi Mutatkar in the final with scores of 21–17, 21–13.
2010In 2010, Saina Nehwal achieved several significant milestones. She became the first Indian woman to reach the semi-finals of the All England Open before losing to eventual champion Tine Rasmussen. Nehwal also reached the semi-finals of the Asian Championships, where she faced tough competition against unseeded eventual champion Li Xuerui of China, ultimately settling for the bronze medal. Her coach, Pullela Gopichand, advised her not to put too much pressure on herself due to the overwhelming home crowd support.
Nehwal showcased her dominance by winning the India Open Grand Prix Gold, defeating Wong Mew Choo of Malaysia in the final, thus justifying her billing as the top seed in the tournament. She continued her winning streak by clinching the Singapore Open title, where she defeated qualifier Tai Tzu-ying of Chinese Taipei in the final after overcoming World Champion Lu Lan in the semifinals. As a result of her consistent performances, Nehwal reached a career-high world ranking of world no. 3 in the women's singles badminton world rankings on 24 June 2010.
Nehwal successfully defended her Indonesia Open title in three tough games against Sayaka Sato, securing her third Super Series title and her third successive title following wins at the Indian and Singapore Open Super Series. With 64791.26 points, she reached a career-high world ranking of number 2 on 15 July 2010, only behind Wang Yihan of China. However, despite her remarkable achievements, Nehwal faced disappointment in the 2010 BWF World Championships in Paris, where she crashed out after losing to 4th-ranked Chinese Wang Shixian in straight sets.
Nehwal temporarily dropped to number 7 in the rankings after skipping the China Masters and Japan Open to prepare for the 2010 Commonwealth Games. However, she made a triumphant return by winning the gold medal in the women's singles at the Commonwealth Games held in New Delhi. She defeated Wong Mew Choo of Malaysia in a thrilling final with scores of 19–21, 23–21, 21–13, expressing her joy by stating, "when I was a match-point down, it was like a shock. It was a big match and winning it means a lot to me. Even many years from now, those present here will always remember how Saina won the gold. It is a proud feeling". Following her Commonwealth Games victory, Nehwal confirmed her participation in the Hong Kong Open and emerged victorious by defeating Wang Shixian in the final to claim her fourth career Super Series title.
2011In 2011, Saina Nehwal continued to showcase her prowess on the badminton court. As the 2nd seed, she clinched the Swiss Open title by defeating Sung Ji-hyun of South Korea with scores of 21–13, 21–14. However, she faced disappointment in the Malaysia Grand Prix Gold tournament, where she lost to the then world number three Wang Xin of China in the finals, finishing as the runner-up. Nehwal also represented India in the Sudirman Cup mixed team event, where India reached the quarterfinals for the first time ever. Despite Nehwal's loss in her tie against Ratchanok Intanon, India managed to beat Thailand 3–2. In the quarterfinals against China, Nehwal put up a stellar performance, defeating the then world number two Wang Xin with scores of 21–15, 21–11. However, China emerged victorious with a 3–1 win over India, advancing to the semi-finals.
Nehwal made an attempt to secure her third consecutive win at the Indonesian Open but finished as the runner-up once again after losing to Wang Yihan of China in the finals. She suffered another setback at the World Championship, crashing out after a defeat to Wang Xin with scores of 15–21, 10–21. Despite reaching the quarterfinals in the last two editions of the event, Nehwal had to settle for another last-eight finish. In the season-ending 2011 BWF Super Series Masters Finals in Liuzhou in December, Nehwal showcased her exceptional skills by winning all her group matches against Bae Yeon-ju, Sayaka Sato, and Wang Xin, advancing to the semifinals. She created history by becoming the first Indian singles player to reach the final after defeating World number 5 Tine Baun of Denmark with scores of 21–17, 21–18. However, she lost the final against the World No. 1 Wang Yihan in a closely contested match lasting over an hour, with scores of 21–18, 13–21, 13–21.
2012In 2012, Saina Nehwal continued her streak of success by defending her Swiss Open title, defeating Wang Shixian with scores of 21–19, 21–16 on 18 March, just a day after celebrating her 22nd birthday. She then went on to lift the Thailand Open title on 10 June by defeating Thailand's Ratchanok Intanon in a thrilling final with scores of 19–21, 21–15, 21–10. On 17 June, Nehwal achieved another remarkable feat by winning her third consecutive Indonesia Open title, defeating Li Xuerui in a fiercely contested match with scores of 13–21, 22–20, 21–19.
At the London Olympics, Nehwal was seeded 4th in the draw. She performed exceptionally well throughout the tournament, defeating opponents such as Swiss Sabrina Jaquet, Belgian Lianne Tan, Dutch Yao Jie, and Tine Baun to reach the semifinals. Despite facing tough competition, Nehwal lost to top seed Wang Yihan in two straight games in the semifinals. However, she bounced back and won the bronze medal when Wang Xin retired from the bronze medal playoff with an injury after taking the first game.
Later in the year, Nehwal continued her winning streak by claiming the Denmark Open title on 21 October after defeating Germany's Juliane Schenk. Although she reached the finals of the French Open, she faced defeat against Minatsu Mitani in straight sets. Nehwal also participated in the season-ending Superseries Finals, where she had a mixed performance in the group stage, winning against Juliane Schenk but losing to Tine Baun and Ratchanok Intanon. Despite reaching the semifinals, Nehwal lost a well-contested match to Li Xuerui in three games with scores of 20–22, 21–7, 13–21.
2013In 2013, Saina Nehwal reached the semifinals of the All England Open but was defeated by 3-time World Junior Champion Ratchanok Intanon. She also secured another quarterfinal finish at the World Championships, where she lost to Korean Bae Yeon-ju with scores of 21–23, 9–21. Nehwal qualified for the season-ending Superseries Finals held at Kuala Lumpur but faced tough competition, losing to Minatsu Mitani and Li Xuerui. However, she managed to win her last group match against Bae Yeon-ju in 3 games, though she failed to progress to the semifinals.
2014On 26 January 2014, Nehwal clinched the India Grand Prix Gold tournament title by defeating World Championship bronze medalist P.V. Sindhu with scores of 21–14, 21–17. Later, in the final of the Australian Open on 29 June, Nehwal emerged victorious against Spain's Carolina Marín with scores of 21–18, 21–11. However, she had to withdraw from the 2014 Commonwealth Games due to fitness issues and injury problems she carried during the Australian Open. She faced another quarterfinal exit at the World Championships, this time losing to Li Xuerui. Nehwal also reached the quarterfinals at the Asian Games, where she was defeated by Wang Yihan. Despite these setbacks, she made history by becoming the first Indian player to win the China Open by defeating Japan's Akane Yamaguchi in the final with scores of 21–12, 22–20. Nehwal continued her strong performance at the Superseries Finals, winning all of her group matches against top seed Wang Shixian, Bae Yeon-ju, and Sung Ji-hyun. Although she reached the semifinals once more, she lost to eventual champion Tai Tzu-ying with scores of 21–11, 13–21, 9–21.
2015In 2015, defending champion Saina Nehwal showcased her exceptional skills by winning the Syed Modi International, defeating Carolina Marín in the final. She continued her impressive performance by becoming the first Indian woman shuttler to reach the finals of the All England Open, although she lost to Marín in the final. On 29 March, Nehwal secured her maiden women's singles title at the India Open by defeating Ratchanok Intanon. This victory ensured her ascent to the World number 1 ranking when the latest BWF rankings were released on 2 April, making her the first Indian player to achieve this feat in the Women's category.
At the World Championship held in Jakarta, Nehwal was seeded 2nd. She navigated through early rounds by defeating Cheung Ngan Yi and Sayaka Takahashi and reached the quarterfinals, where she faced Chinese Wang Yihan. Nehwal displayed her prowess by defeating Yihan in a thrilling encounter with scores of 21–15, 19–21, 21–19, thus assuring herself of her first-ever medal at the World Championships. She continued her remarkable run by defeating home hope Lindaweni Fanetri in the semifinal, creating history as the first-ever player from India to contest the World badminton championship finals. Despite her valiant efforts, she settled for the silver medal after going down to Carolina Marín in the final.
Nehwal fought hard as defending champion in the China Open final but was defeated by Li Xuerui. She also participated in the Season Ending Championships, where she faced tough competition, losing against Tai Tzu-ying and Nozomi Okuhara but securing a victory against Carolina Marín, a player she struggled to beat throughout the year, in one of the group matches. However, she failed to reach the knockout phase in this tournament.
2016In early 2016, Saina Nehwal faced injuries, but she eventually recovered and resumed her stellar performance. She reached the semifinals of the Asian Championships after defeating the third seed, Wang Shixian, but settled for the bronze medal after losing to Wang Yihan with scores of 16–21, 14–21. At the Australian Open, Nehwal showcased her resilience by advancing to the finals after defeating Ratchanok Intanon in the quarters and Wang Yihan in the semifinals. She emerged victorious in the final against China's Sun Yu with scores of 11–21, 21–14, 21–19. Making her third appearance at the Olympics, Nehwal, seeded fifth, won her opening match against the unseeded Lohaynny Vicente in straight games. However, she faced disappointment in her second match, losing to the world no. 61 from Ukraine, Marija Ulitina, with scores of 18–21, 19–21, thereby making an exit at the group stage. Her coach cited a week-old knee injury for her below-par performance. In October, Nehwal was appointed as a member of the IOC Athletes' Commission. She was also chosen as an Integrity Ambassador in BWF's Campaign – "I am Badminton" in December to promote clean and fair play in the sport.
2017In 2017, Nehwal continued to demonstrate her prowess on the badminton court. She won the Malaysia Masters by defeating Pornpawee Chochuwong with scores of 22–20, 22–20. However, her performance was hampered throughout much of the year due to injury, as she was still recovering. Seeded 12th in the World Championship at Glasgow, Nehwal showcased her resilience by advancing to the quarterfinals after defeating Sabrina Jaquet in round 1 and the 2nd seed, Sung Ji-hyun, in the round of 16. She reached the quarterfinals for the 7th straight time and secured a hard-fought victory over world no. 31 Kirsty Gilmour of Scotland with scores of 21–19, 18–21, 21–15. However, she lost the semifinal to eventual winner Nozomi Okuhara of Japan, thus winning the bronze medal. Nehwal continued her winning streak by clinching the 82nd national badminton championship by beating P. V. Sindhu in the final.
2018In 2018, Saina Nehwal showcased her exceptional skills on the badminton court. She reached the finals of the Indonesia Masters after defeating three seeded players, Chen Yufei, P. V. Sindhu, and Ratchanok Intanon. However, she finished as the runner-up after losing the final to Tai Tzu-ying. Nehwal then secured her second gold in the Commonwealth Games women's singles by defeating P. V. Sindhu in the final and also led the Indian team to another gold medal in the mixed team event. Subsequently, she clinched a bronze in the Asian Championships, marking her third medal in the tournament altogether, as she went down fighting to the defending champion, Tai Tzu-ying. At the World Championships, Nehwal, seeded 10th, outgunned Turkish Aliye Demirbağ and advanced to the next round. She further ousted 4th seed Ratchanok Intanon and reached the World Championships quarter-final for a record 8th straight time. However, she faced a defeat to Carolina Marín in an unexpectedly lop-sided clash.
Nehwal, unseeded at the Jakarta-Palembang Asian Games, showcased her resilience by defeating Iran's Sorayya Aghaei and Indonesia's Fitriani in straight games. She then won the quarterfinal after making a stunning comeback against 4th seeded Ratchanok Intanon, thus making it to the semifinals. She made history by winning the first medal for India in badminton after a long wait of 36 years, though she lost to Tai Tzu-ying in the semifinal, winning a bronze medal. Nehwal achieved a rare feat by winning medals from the quintet of badminton tournaments – the Olympics, the World Championships, the Commonwealth Games, the Asian Championships, and the Asian Games.
At the Denmark Open, Nehwal, unseeded, displayed her tenacity by defeating tough opponents such as Hongkonger Cheung Ngan Yi, and Japanese players Akane Yamaguchi and Nozomi Okuhara. After an easy win against Indonesia's Gregoria Mariska Tunjung in the semifinal, she faced her arch-rival and the no.1 seed Tai Tzu-ying in the final. Despite her efforts to break the jinx against Tai, Nehwal couldn't manage and went down in a closely contested match. Additionally, Nehwal reached the finals of the Syed Modi Badminton Super 300 tournament but lost to Han Yue of China.
2019In 2019, Saina Nehwal achieved significant milestones in her badminton career. She clinched her first BWF Super 500 title at the Indonesia Masters, where she faced Carolina Marín, who retired from the court due to injury, securing Nehwal's victory. Defending her national championship title in Guwahati, Assam, Nehwal made headlines when she refused to play her singles match, citing poor playing surface. Nonetheless, she emerged victorious at the National Championship by defeating top seed P. V. Sindhu with scores of 21–18, 21–15, marking her 4th National title. However, her consistent record at the World Championships came to an end after she faced a defeat to Mia Blichfeldt in the pre-quarterfinals in a hard-fought contest, with scores of 21–15, 25–27, 12–21.
Achievements of Saina Nehwal
Olympic Games Women's singles
Year

Venue

Opponent

Score

Result

2012

Wembley Arena, London, Great Britain

 Wang Xin

18–21, 0–1 retired

 Bronze
BWF World Championships Women's singles
YearVenueOpponentScoreResult
2015Istora Gelora Bung Karno, Jakarta, Indonesia Carolina Marín16–21, 19–21 Silver
2017Emirates Arena, Glasgow, Scotland Nozomi Okuhara21–12, 17–21, 10–21 Bronze
Commonwealth Games Women's singles
YearVenueOpponentScoreResult
2010Siri Fort Sports Complex, New Delhi, India Wong Mew Choo19–21, 23–21, 21–13 Gold
2018Carrara Sports and Leisure Centre, Gold Coast, Australia P. V. Sindhu21–18, 23–21 Gold
Asian Games Women's singles
YearVenueOpponentScoreResult
2018Istora Gelora Bung Karno, Jakarta, Indonesia Tai Tzu-ying17–21, 14–21 Bronze
Asian Championships Women's singles
YearVenueOpponentScoreResult
2010Siri Fort Indoor Stadium, New Delhi, India Li Xuerui17–21, 11–21 Bronze
2016Wuhan Sports Center Gymnasium, Wuhan, China Wang Yihan16–21, 14–21 Bronze
2018Wuhan Sports Center Gymnasium, Wuhan, China Tai Tzu-ying25–27, 19–21 Bronze
BWF World Junior Championships Girls' singles
YearVenueOpponentScoreResult
2006Samsan World Gymnasium, Incheon, South Korea Wang Yihan13–21, 9–21 Silver
2008Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Badminton Hall, Pune, India Sayaka Sato21–9, 21–18 Gold
Commonwealth Youth Games Girls' singles
YearVenueOpponentScoreResult
2008Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex, Pune, India N. Sikki Reddy23–21, 22–20 Gold
BWF World Tour (1 title, 3 runners-up) Women's singles


YearTournamentLevelOpponentScoreResult
2018Indonesia MastersSuper 500 Tai Tzu-ying9–21, 13–21 Runner-up
2018Denmark OpenSuper 750 Tai Tzu-ying13–21, 21–13, 6–21 Runner-up
2018Syed Modi InternationalSuper 300 Han Yue18–21, 8–21 Runner-up
2019Indonesia MastersSuper 500 Carolina Marín4–10 retired Winner
BWF Superseries (10 titles, 5 runners-up) Women's singles
YearTournamentOpponentScoreResult
2009Indonesia OpenWang Lin12–21, 21–18, 21–9Winner
2010Singapore OpenTai Tzu-ying21–18, 21–15Winner
2010Indonesia OpenSayaka Sato21–19, 13–21, 21–11Winner
2010Hong Kong OpenWang Shixian15–21, 21–16, 21–17Winner
2011Indonesia OpenWang Yihan21–12, 21–23, 14–21Runner-up
2011BWF Super Series FinalsWang Yihan21–18, 13–21, 13–21Runner-up
2012Indonesia OpenLi Xuerui13–21, 22–20, 21–19Winner
2012Denmark OpenJuliane Schenk21–17, 21–8Winner
2012French OpenMinatsu Mitani19–21, 11–21Runner-up
2014Australian OpenCarolina Marín21–18, 21–11Winner
2014China OpenAkane Yamaguchi21–12, 22–20Winner
2015All England OpenCarolina Marín21–16, 14–21, 7–21Runner-up
2015India OpenRatchanok Intanon21–16, 21–14Winner
2015China OpenLi Xuerui12–21, 15–21Runner-up
2016Australian OpenSun Yu11–21, 21–14, 21–19Winner
BWF Grand Prix (10 titles, 1 runner-up) Women's singles
YearTournamentOpponentScoreResult
2006Philippines Open Julia Wong Pei Xian21–15, 22–20 Winner
2008Chinese Taipei Open Lydia Cheah12–21, 21–18, 21–9 Winner
2009India Grand Prix Aditi Mutatkar21–17, 21–13 Winner
2010India Open Wong Mew Choo20–22, 21–14, 21–12 Winner
2011Malaysia Grand Prix Gold Wang Xin21–13, 8–21, 14–21 Runner-up
2011Swiss Open Sung Ji-hyun21–13, 21–14 Winner
2012Swiss Open Wang Shixian21–19, 21–16 Winner
2012Thailand Open Ratchanok Intanon19–21, 21–15, 21–10 Winner
2014India Grand Prix Gold P. V. Sindhu21–14, 21–17 Winner
2015Syed Modi International Carolina Marín19–21, 25–23, 21–16 Winner
2017Malaysia Masters Pornpawee Chochuwong22–20, 22–20 Winner
BWF International Challenge/Series/Satellite (2 titles, 1 runner-up) Women's singles
YearTournamentOpponentScoreResult
2005India Satellite Aparna Popat11–8, 11–6 Winner
2006India Satellite Jang Soo-young21–9, 21–14 Winner
2007India International Kanako Yonekura13–21, 18–21 Runner-up
National titles and runners-up National Junior/Senior titles (13)
S. No.YearTournamentAge groupFormatPartnerOpponent(s) in finalScore
12002Sub-Junior National Badminton ChampionshipUnder 13SinglesN/AParsa Naqvi11–0, 11–4
22002Sub-Junior National Badminton ChampionshipUnder 13DoublesPizza BharaliMudra Dhainje / Fernaz Jasdanwala11–5, 11–4
32002Sub-Junior National Badminton ChampionshipUnder 16DoublesAparna BalanManisha Eswarappa / Y. K. Subrata11–2, 11–3
42003Sub-Junior National Badminton ChampionshipUnder 16SinglesN/AAnjali Kalita11–3, 11–13, 11–2
52003Sub-Junior National Badminton ChampionshipUnder 16DoublesP. JyotshnaG. M. Nischitha / Madhuri Vijay15–6, 15–7
62004Junior National badminton championshipsUnder 19SinglesN/ARidhi Pajwani11–2, 11–4
72004Junior National badminton championshipsUnder 19DoublesAparna BalanT. Soumya / Ashwini Chowdary15–6, 15–10
82005Junior National badminton championshipsUnder 19SinglesN/AAditi Mutatkar11–5, 13–10
92005Junior National badminton championshipsUnder 19DoublesAparna BalanV. Ruth Misha / Saumya Padhye15–2,15–4
102007Senior National Badminton ChampionshipsSeniorSinglesN/AAditi Mutatkar21–19, 21–16
112007National GamesSeniorSinglesN/AAditi Mutatkar24–22, 21–15
122008Senior National Badminton ChampionshipsSeniorSinglesN/ATrupti Murgunde21–11, 21–10
132017Senior National Badminton ChampionshipsSeniorSinglesN/AP. V. Sindhu21–17, 27–25
142019Senior National Badminton ChampionshipsSeniorSinglesN/AP. V. Sindhu21–18, 21–15
National Junior/Senior runners-up (1)
S. No.YearTournamentAge groupFormatPartnerOpponent(s) in finalScore
12006Senior National Badminton ChampionshipsSeniorSinglesN/AAparna Popat11–13, 3–11
Saina’s Performance timeline
Tournament20042005200620072008200920102011201220132014201520162017201820192020202120222023SRBest
BWF events
World Junior Championships2RNHSAGN/A1/3G ('08)
World ChampionshipsNHA1R3RNHQFQFQFNHQFQFSNHBQF3RNHA3R
0/12S ('15)
Olympic GamesDNQNHQFNHBNHRRNHDNQNH0/3B ('12)
IBF Grand PrixBWF Superseries / Grand PrixBWF World Tour
Malaysia OpenN/AAQFQFASFSF2RSFSF1R2R1RNH1R1R0/12SF ('12, '13, '15, '16)
India OpenNH2RQFW1R2R2RQFWSFQFQFw/dNH2R2R2/13W ('10, '15)
Indonesia MastersNHANHFW1RA2R1/4W ('19)
Thailand MastersNHw/dA1RNHw/d0/11R ('20)
German OpenA1RANH2RA0/22R ('22)
All England OpenN/A2R1R1RSFQFQFSFQFFQFQF1RQF1R1R2RA0/16F ('15)
Swiss OpenN/A1R2RQFAWWSFQFASFw/dAw/dNH1R2RA2/10W ('11, '12)
Spain MastersNHAQFANHA0/1QF ('20)
Orléans MastersN/AANHSFA1R0/2SF ('21)
Malaysia MastersNHQFAFAWASFQFNH1RA1/6W ('17)
Thailand OpenN/A1RQFANHQFWQFNHASFw/d2R2RNH1R2R1/11W ('12)
1R
Singapore OpenN/AASFQFW2RAQF1RAQFNHQF1R1/9W ('10)
Indonesia OpenN/AA2RWWFWSFQFQFQF2R2Rw/dNHA
3/11W ('09, '10, '12)
Taipei OpenN/AAWAw/dNHw/d
1/1W ('08)
Korea OpenA2RA2RQFQFAQF1RNHA
0/6QF ('12, '13, '18)
Japan OpenN/AA1R1RASFA2RA2RAw/dNH1R
0/6SF ('11)
Vietnam OpenN/AANHw/d
0/0

Denmark OpenN/A1RAQFA2RWQFQF2RAQFF1RA1R1R
1/11W ('12)
French OpenN/AAQFA2RF2RQFQFA2RQFQFNH1R1R
0/11F ('12)
Hylo OpenA1R
0/11R ('22)
Hong Kong OpenN/A1RQF1RWQF2R2RQFw/dQF2R1R1RNH
1/12W ('10)
Australian OpenN/AAWQFWQFw/dANHA
2/4W ('14, '16)
China OpenN/A1R1R2RA1RA2RWF1R2R1R1RNH
1/11W ('14)
China MastersNHN/AASFAQFAw/dA1RNH
0/3SF ('08)
Syed Modi InternationalN/ANHWA1RNHWWw/dw/dFw/dNHw/d
3/5W ('09, '14, '15)
Odisha OpenN/Aw/d
0/0

World Superseries/Tour FinalsNHSFSFDNQFSFRRSFRRDNQ
0/7F ('11)
Macau OpenAQFANH0/1QF ('16)
Philippines OpenNHW1RNHANH1/2W ('06)
Other events
Commonwealth GamesNH3RNHGNHANHGNHANH2/3G ('10, '18)
Asian GamesNH2RNHQFNHQFNHBNH
NH0/4B ('18)
Asian ChampionshipsA2R2R1R1RBA2RAQFB1RBQFNH2R
0/12B ('10, '16, '18)
India SatelliteAWWNH2/2W ('05, '06)
Year-end ranking




8433842101091120253197
1
Tournament20042005200620072008200920102011201220132014201520162017201820192020202120222023SRBest
Head-to-head record against specific opponents
Head-to-head record against finalists of Year-end Finals, semi-finalists of World Championships, and quarter-finalists of Olympics. Up to date as of September 22, 2023.
PlayersMatchesResultsDifference
WonLost
 Petya Nedelcheva862+4
 Chen Yufei514–3
 He Bingjiao321+1
 Li Xuerui14212–10
 Lu Lan541+3
 Wang Lin624–2
 Wang Shixian1587+1
 Wang Xin734–1
 Wang Yihan17512–7
 Xie Xingfang202–2
 Zhang Ning101–1
 Zhang Yiman202–2
 Zhu Lin4220
 Cheng Shao-chieh431+2
 Tai Tzu-ying20515–10
 Tine Baun10550
 Pi Hongyan725–3
 Juliane Schenk1385+3
PlayersMatchesResultsDifference
WonLost
 Xu Huaiwen110+1
 Wang Chen514–3
 Yip Pui Yin1192+7
 Zhou Mi413–2
 P. V. Sindhu431+2
 Lindaweni Fanetri541+3
 Maria Kristin Yulianti101–1
 Minatsu Mitani1064+2
 Nozomi Okuhara1495+4
 Akane Yamaguchi13211–9
 Wong Mew Choo853+2
 An Se-young2110
 Bae Yeon-ju14104+6
 Sung Ji-hyun1293+6
 Carolina Marín1367–1
 Porntip Buranaprasertsuk12102+8
 Ratchanok Intanon20128+4
Accolades Received by Saina Nehwal
Award/AccoladeYearDetails
Most Promising Player of the Year (2008) by Badminton World Federation2008Saina Nehwal was honored with the Most Promising Player of the Year award by the Badminton World Federation in 2008.
Arjuna Award2009In 2009, Saina Nehwal received the prestigious Arjuna Award for her exceptional contributions to badminton.
Padma Shri2010Recognizing her achievements, Saina Nehwal was conferred with the Padma Shri in the year 2010.
Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna2009–2010Saina Nehwal was bestowed with the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna award for her outstanding performances in badminton during the years 2009–2010.
Padma Bhushan2016Saina Nehwal was honored with the Padma Bhushan, one of India's highest civilian awards, in 2016.
Bronze medal at the 2012 London Olympics2012Saina Nehwal secured the bronze medal at the 2012 London Olympics, showcasing her prowess on the global stage.
Cash award from the Haryana Government-The Haryana Government presented Saina Nehwal with a cash award of ₹10 million (US$130,000) in recognition of her achievements.
Cash award from the Rajasthan Government-Recognizing her excellence, the Rajasthan Government awarded Saina Nehwal with a cash prize of ₹5 million (US$63,000).
Cash award from the Andhra Pradesh Government-Saina Nehwal received a cash award of ₹5 million (US$63,000) from the Andhra Pradesh Government for her outstanding achievements in badminton.
Cash award from the Badminton Association of India-The Badminton Association of India presented Saina Nehwal with a cash award of ₹1 million (US$13,000) in recognition of her contributions to the sport.
Honorary doctorate degree by Mangalayatan University-Saina Nehwal was conferred with an honorary doctorate degree by Mangalayatan University, recognizing her remarkable achievements and contributions to sports.
Honorary doctorate degree by SRM Institute of Science and Technology-In acknowledgment of her outstanding accomplishments, Saina Nehwal received an honorary doctorate degree from SRM Institute of Science and Technology.
Saina’s Political Career
Saina Nehwal joined the Bharatiya Janata Party in Delhi on 29 January 2020, in the presence of the party's national general secretary Arun Singh. Her sister, Abu Chandranshu Nehwal, also joined the party. She was quoted as saying, "Narendra Modi is working hard for the country, and has always inspired me."
Relationships & More
Affairs/BoyfriendsParupalli Kashyap: Saina Nehwal and Parupalli Kashyap first met at a badminton coaching camp in 1997 when they were teenagers. Their relationship gradually evolved, and they began meeting more frequently from 2002. Initially, they kept their relationship secret from friends, but as time passed, they grew closer. Kashyap recalled their early days as shy and secretive, but their bond became more serious around 2009-2010. They contemplated marriage or living together after the London 2012 Olympics. Their relationship also reignited Kashyap's motivation to continue playing badminton. He later became involved in coaching Saina, which not only helped her win bronze at the 2018 Asian Games but also motivated him to resume his own training and competitive career.
Personal Life
Marital StatusMarried
Marriage Date(s)14 December 2018
Marriage VenueSaina's residence in Orion villas at Raidurgam in Cyberabad.
Husband/SpouseParupalli Kashyap: Saina Nehwal and Parupalli Kashyap had known for a long time that they wanted to spend their lives together. They made the decision to get married in 2012, with both families supportive of their relationship. However, due to their busy badminton schedules and various tournaments, they kept postponing the wedding. Despite considering living together in a live-in relationship, they ultimately decided to get married in 2018. There was no elaborate proposal; instead, they simply had a conversation and mutually agreed to tie the knot. Their wedding celebrations were filled with joy and memorable moments, including a special cocktail night with friends and family. The ceremony itself was beautiful and exactly as they had envisioned. Both Saina and Parupalli felt happy, grateful, and blessed to begin their journey together.
ChildrenNone
Saina’s Favorites
FoodSaina's favorite foods include Aloo Paratha and Kiwi.
FruitKiwi is Saina's preferred fruit.
Actor(s)Saina Nehwal admires actors Shah Rukh Khan and Mahesh Babu.
Athlete(s)She looks up to cricketer Sachin Tendulkar and tennis player Roger Federer.
DestinationSingapore is Saina's favored travel destination.
PoliticianSaina Nehwal holds admiration for politician Narendra Modi.
Style Quotient, Assets & Properties
Car CollectionMercedes-AMG GLE 53 Performance Coupe: Saina Nehwal recently acquired a new Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Performance Coupe, showcasing her penchant for luxury vehicles. She shared images of her latest acquisition on social media. The Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 is renowned for its high-performance capabilities and luxurious features. The price for this performance coupe starts from Rs 1.71 crores (ex-showroom), reflecting its premium status in the automotive market.
BMW X6: Among her collection of luxury cars, Saina Nehwal also owns a BMW X6. The BMW X6 is a stylish and powerful Sports Activity Coupe that combines the elegance of a coupe with the versatility of an SUV. It is known for its dynamic performance, advanced technology, and luxurious interior.
BMW 3 Series: Another addition to Saina Nehwal's car collection is the BMW 3 Series. The BMW 3 Series is a compact executive sedan that offers a perfect blend of sportiness, comfort, and cutting-edge technology. It is revered for its agile handling, refined engines, and upscale interior design.
Hyundai Creta: Saina Nehwal also possesses a Hyundai Creta, showcasing her diverse taste in automobiles. The Hyundai Creta is a popular compact SUV known for its contemporary design, spacious cabin, and advanced features. It offers a comfortable driving experience and is well-suited for urban adventures.
Mini Cooper: Among her lineup of luxury vehicles, Saina Nehwal owns a Mini Cooper, adding a touch of retro charm to her collection. The Mini Cooper is an iconic compact car renowned for its distinctive styling, agile handling, and spirited performance. It exudes personality and is a symbol of urban chic.
Assets / PropertiesSaina Nehwal resides in a luxury home located in Hyderabad, India. She acquired this property in the year 2015, showcasing her investment in real estate. The estimated value of this prestigious real estate asset is around Rs. 4.6 crores, reflecting its upscale nature and prime location. The property serves as a comfortable and elegant residence for Saina Nehwal, providing her with a serene and luxurious living space in the bustling city of Hyderabad.
Salary, Net Worth & Monthly Income
Net Worth$12 million
Personal InvestmentsRs. 11.3 Crore INR
Yearly IncomeRs 4,80,00,000.01 per year

Unveiling the lesser-known facets of Saina Nehwal’s life

Early Life and Family Background

  • Saina Nehwal is the daughter of Harvir Singh Nehwal and Usha Rani Nehwal.
  • She was born in Hisar and has an elder sister named Chandranshu Nehwal.
  • Her father holds a PhD in agricultural science and worked at Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University.
  • Nehwal completed her initial schooling at Campus School CCS HAU, Hisar, and finished 12th grade from St. Ann’s College for Women, Hyderabad.
  • Nehwal and her family converse in the Haryanvi language at home.

Introduction to Badminton

  • Moved to Hyderabad due to her father’s transfer, Nehwal took up badminton at the age of eight as a means of self-expression.
  • Her parents, who were badminton enthusiasts themselves, influenced her interest in the sport.
  • Nehwal’s mother, Usha Rani, was a state-level badminton player in Haryana, and Nehwal pursued badminton to fulfill her mother’s dream of becoming a national-level player.
  • Under her father’s support, she received quality badminton training, utilizing his provident fund for her development.
  • Initially enrolled in a karate class upon moving to Hyderabad, she later focused on badminton training.

Badminton Training

  • Nehwal trained under Pullela Gopichand at his academy, Gopichand Badminton Academy.
  • In 2014, she shifted to the Prakash Padukone Badminton Academy in Bangalore under U. Vimal Kumar’s guidance, achieving the world number one ranking.
  • Nehwal returned to train under Gopichand in 2017, after a period of training in Bangalore.
  • Gopichand expressed his disappointment when Nehwal left his academy for training in Bangalore, as mentioned in his book “Dreams of a Billion: India and the Olympic Games”.

Professional Ventures & Brand Endorsements

  • Nehwal is involved in establishing a badminton academy in her native state of Haryana.
  • In 2002, Nehwal secured her first sponsorship deal with sports brand Yonex for her kit, and as her profile and rankings grew, she attracted more sponsorships.
  • Bharat Petroleum signed her as an endorser in 2004, recognizing her rising star status.
  • Nehwal is backed by Olympic Gold Quest, a foundation that supports athletes.
  • She endorses various brands including Commune Builder, Edelweiss Group, Emami, Fortune Cooking Oil, Godrej No Marks, Herbalife Nutrition, Huawei Honor smartphone, Indian Overseas Bank, Iodex, NECC, Sahara Group, Star Sports, Top Ramen Noodles, Vaseline, and Yonex.
  • In 2012, Nehwal inked a lucrative endorsement deal worth Rs. 400 million with Rhiti Sports, a prominent sports management firm. However, she terminated this contract in 2013 and joined KWAN entertainment and marketing solutions, although the financial terms were not disclosed.
  • Nehwal also has a dedicated sporting range with multinational sports goods manufacturer Yonex, with 4% of the profits benefiting her.

In popular culture

  • Nehwal has made guest appearances on popular Indian television shows such as Satyamev Jayate, Comedy Nights with Kapil, The Kapil Sharma Show, and Sam Jam.
  • Her autobiography, titled “Playing to Win: My Life On and Off Court,” was published in 2012.
  • “Saina,” a biopic depicting her life story, was released in 2021. Directed by Amol Gupte, the film stars actress Parineeti Chopra in the titular role.

Saina’s Legacy

The Saina Nehwal Institute of Agricultural Technology, Training & Education at Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University is named in her honor.

Saina’s Injuries Throughout Her Career

  • Groin injury: Saina Nehwal mentioned experiencing issues with her groin, resulting in a tear during the Thomas and Uber Cup Final.
  • Knee injury: Nehwal revealed suffering from knee issues, including a torn cartilage, patella issues, and irritation in the meniscus, which led to significant trauma in her knee. She faced difficulties walking after the French Open.
  • Overall fitness issues: Nehwal admitted to struggling with overall fitness due to her injuries, affecting her ability to participate in tournaments effectively.

Unknown Facts about Saina

  • Saina Nehwal hails from Haryana, but her family relocated to Hyderabad when she was 5 years old.
  • Initially, her grandmother was disappointed at her birth, as she had hoped for a boy.
  • At the age of 8, Saina began playing badminton on the advice of coach Nani Prasad Rao.
  • To facilitate her training, her father would take her to a badminton academy located 50 km away from their home on a daily basis.
  • Fondly called “Steffi Saina” by her mother, Saina Nehwal is admired for her tennis skills much like her idol, tennis star Steffi Graf.
  • Saina holds a brown belt in Karate.
  • In 2012, after winning the gold medal in the Olympics, Sachin Tendulkar gifted her a BMW.
  • The same year saw the release of her autobiography, ‘Playing to Win: My Life On and Off Court.’
  • In October 2016, she was appointed as a member of the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) Athletes’ Commission.
  • Saina Nehwal has graced the covers of various magazines such as ‘Women’s Health’ and ‘Femina.’
  • Saina is known for her affection towards dogs, indicating her love for animals.

Saina Nehwal’s Controversies

  • In January 2022, Saina Nehwal took to Twitter to condemn the security breach of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Punjab. In response, Tamil actor Siddharth used derogatory terms in his tweet, sparking controversy.
  • Siddharth’s tweet directed at Saina Nehwal regarding PM Modi’s security breach in Punjab stirred outrage.
  • Following this incident, National Commission for Women chairperson Rekha Sharma demanded action against the Tamil actor through a tweet.
  • On 11 January 2022, Siddharth issued a letter of apology to Saina Nehwal on Twitter, stating, “You’ll Always Be My Champion.”

Saina Nehwal’s Journey to Success

Saina Nehwal’s life journey is a testament to resilience, determination, and unwavering commitment to her passion for badminton. Despite facing numerous challenges, setbacks, and injuries throughout her career, Nehwal’s unwavering spirit and relentless pursuit of excellence have made her one of India’s most successful athletes. From her early days of training to becoming the first Indian woman to attain the world number one ranking, Nehwal’s journey inspired millions around the world. Her dedication, hard work, and sacrifices have not only earned her numerous accolades and achievements but have also paved the way for future generations of Indian athletes. Saina Nehwal’s biography stands as a testament to the power of perseverance and serves as a source of inspiration for aspiring athletes everywhere.

Saina Nehwal: A Journey of Resilience and Triumph

Saina Nehwal Facebook


Frequently Asked Questions

What is Saina Nehwal's full name?

Saina Nehwal's full name is Saina Kashyap (née Nehwal).

When was Saina Nehwal born?

Saina Nehwal was born on March 17, 1990.

Where was Saina Nehwal born?

Saina Nehwal was born in Hisar, Haryana, India.

What is Saina Nehwal's nationality?

Saina Nehwal is Indian.

What is Saina Nehwal known for?

Saina Nehwal is known for her achievements in badminton, including winning Olympic medals and World Championships.

How many Olympic medals has Saina Nehwal won?

Saina Nehwal has won one Olympic bronze medal.

When did Saina Nehwal win her Olympic medal?

Saina Nehwal won her Olympic bronze medal in badminton at the 2012 London Olympics.

What other major tournaments has Saina Nehwal won?

Apart from the Olympics, Saina Nehwal has won medals at the Commonwealth Games, Asian Games, and World Championships.

What is Saina Nehwal's highest world ranking in badminton?

Saina Nehwal's highest world ranking in badminton is World No. 1.

When did Saina Nehwal achieve the World No. 1 ranking?

Saina Nehwal achieved the World No. 1 ranking in badminton in 2015.

Who is Saina Nehwal's husband?

Saina Nehwal's husband is fellow badminton player Parupalli Kashyap.

When did Saina Nehwal get married?

Saina Nehwal got married on December 14, 2018.

What is Saina Nehwal's autobiography called?

Saina Nehwal's autobiography is titled "Playing to Win: My Life On and Off Court."

Who is Saina Nehwal's coach?

Saina Nehwal has been coached by Pullela Gopichand for much of her career.

Where is Saina Nehwal's badminton academy located?

Saina Nehwal's badminton academy is located in her native state of Haryana, India.

What awards has Saina Nehwal received for her achievements in badminton?

Saina Nehwal has received awards such as the Arjuna Award, Padma Shri, and Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna.

How did Saina Nehwal first become interested in badminton?

Saina Nehwal first became interested in badminton at the age of 8, on the advice of her coach Nani Prasad Rao.

What is Saina Nehwal's favorite tennis player?

Saina Nehwal's favorite tennis player is Roger Federer.

What is Saina Nehwal's favorite pastime?

Saina Nehwal enjoys spending time with her dogs.

How has Saina Nehwal contributed to Indian badminton?

Saina Nehwal has contributed to Indian badminton by inspiring a generation of players and raising the profile of the sport in the country.



References/Sources

  1. en.wikipedia.org
  2. timesofindia.indiatimes.com
  3. timesofindia.indiatimes.com
  4. timesofindia.indiatimes

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