Back together? Saina Nehwal drops surprise post with Kashyap weeks after split

New Delhi: Just weeks after publicly announcing their separation, Indian badminton star Saina Nehwal has shared a heartfelt update, revealing that she and husband Parupalli Kashyap are giving their relationship another chance.

On Saturday, the 35-year-old Olympic medallist posted a photo on Instagram featuring the couple with a scenic backdrop of the sea and mountains. The caption read: “Sometimes distance teaches you the value of presence. Here we are--trying again.”

The announcement comes shortly after Nehwal stunned fans last month by confirming their decision to part ways. The couple, who have been together for over six years and married since 2018, are among the most recognised faces in Indian badminton.

At the time of her separation statement, Nehwal wrote:

"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 am grateful for the memories and wish nothing but the best moving forward. Thank you for understanding and respecting our privacy during this time."

Both Nehwal and Kashyap rose through the ranks at the renowned Pullela Gopichand Academy in Hyderabad. Nehwal has long been a trailblazer in Indian badminton, becoming the first Indian woman to win an Olympic medal in the sport, and the only female shuttler from the country to attain the world No.1 ranking.

She was honoured with the Arjuna Award in 2009 and the prestigious Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award in 2010.

Parupalli Kashyap, meanwhile, gained national fame after winning a gold medal at the 2014 Commonwealth Games and a bronze in the 2010 edition. He also made history as the first Indian male shuttler to reach the quarter-finals of the Olympics, a feat he achieved at the London 2012 Games.