New Delhi: Badminton star Saina Nehwal has opened the door to a political career, saying she is willing to contest elections in the future, although she has not made a final decision yet.

Nehwal, who joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in 2020, said she wants to continue contributing to the country even after her sporting career.

“I want to. Let us see. At the moment, I haven't decided yet. But definitely, I am looking forward to that,” Nehwal told ANI when asked about entering electoral politics.

Nehwal joined the BJP in the presence of the party's national general secretary Arun Singh in 2020. Explaining her association with the party, she said she supports its work for the country's development.

“Just like I played for the country for so many years. I am in BJP now. Because I like BJP altogether. Like they are doing for the country, for development. So, I am associated with them,” she said.

The badminton star said her desire to serve the country remains unchanged, drawing a parallel between representing India in sport and her interest in contributing through public life.

“So, I would also like to do better for the country. I have always thought of the betterment of the country. And I have brought so many medals,” Nehwal said, adding that she wants people to come together and work for the country's progress.

Saina Nehwal praises Treesa Jolly-Gayatri Gopichand

Nehwal was also full of praise for India's Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand after their bronze-medal run at the recently concluded BWF World Championships 2026.

The duo, ranked 39th in the world, reached the women's doubles semifinals after defeating three seeded pairs. Their run ended with a three-game defeat against world No. 1 Chinese pair Liu Sheng Shu and Tan Ning, but the semifinal appearance secured India a bronze medal.

The achievement ended India's 15-year wait for a women's doubles medal at the World Championships. Jwala Gutta and Ashwini Ponnappa had last won a medal in the event in 2011.

Nehwal said she had hoped India would win medals in the singles events as well, given the country's record at the World Championships and Olympics. She nevertheless said she was “extremely proud” of Treesa and Gayatri.

“I am really happy that we are performing well across all categories, and this time it was the women's doubles that delivered,” she said.

Nehwal also praised the pair's confidence and composure under pressure, saying their performance was “tremendous”.

While her future in electoral politics remains undecided, Nehwal's latest comments make it clear that a political career is something the badminton star is now open to considering.

 

With ANI inputs