Virat Kohli hails Saina Nehwal as a game-changer as badminton icon bids farewell

Virat Kohli added his voice to the chorus of tributes pouring in for Saina Nehwal after the former world No.1 officially drew the curtain on her badminton career. Within hours of Nehwal’s announcement, the Indian cricket great took to X to acknowledge a journey that reshaped the sport’s place in the country.

Congratulating her on what he called a “legendary career,” Kohli credited Nehwal with carrying Indian badminton onto the global platform and wished her a content and well-earned retirement. Signed off with the tricolour and a racket emoji, the post quickly gained traction, cutting across sporting communities far beyond badminton.

The timing felt apt. As athletes, ex-players and fans revisited her biggest moments, Kohli’s message stood out for its simplicity and weight — not as a routine celebrity endorsement, but as one sporting era saluting another.

Nehwal’s rise came at a time when Indian sport was still largely defined by cricket. Competing in an individual discipline with little margin for error, she absorbed expectations, pressure and isolation, yet kept delivering moments that altered perceptions. Her bronze medal at the London 2012 Olympics became a landmark achievement, followed by Commonwealth Games gold, Super Series titles, Asian Games podium finishes and, in 2015, the historic ascent to world No.1.

While her retirement has been anticipated - injuries and fitness struggles have limited her appearances in recent years - the announcement triggered a wave of nostalgia. Memories flooded back: a fearless teenager taking on the world, ice-cool performances in decisive games, and a career that felt like it was creating a road for others even as she walked it.

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Kohli’s reference to the “world stage” goes beyond medals and rankings. Nehwal’s success gave badminton visibility, inspired countless youngsters to take up the sport, and reinforced the belief that Indian athletes could excel consistently outside cricket’s shadow.

That India’s most recognisable cricketer chose to frame her legacy around impact rather than numbers says plenty. Saina Nehwal exits the sport not just as a champion, but as a trailblazer who expanded the country’s sporting imagination  and Kohli’s brief tribute captured that legacy with quiet precision.