Saina Nehwal Discusses Her Aspirations in Politics

Badminton star Saina Nehwal has expressed her willingness to consider a future in electoral politics, although she has yet to make a definitive choice. As a member of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Nehwal indicated her desire to contribute to the nation’s progress beyond her illustrious sports career. She officially joined the BJP in 2020, alongside the party's national general secretary, Arun Singh. In a recent interview with ANI, Nehwal stated, "I want to. Let us see. At the moment, I haven't decided yet. But definitely, I am looking forward to that."

Reflecting on her motivations, Nehwal emphasized her long-standing commitment to her country, saying, "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. So, I would also like to do better for the country." She reiterated her dedication to national improvement, highlighting her achievements in badminton as a foundation for her aspirations in public service.

Nehwal also took the opportunity to commend fellow players Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand for their remarkable performance at the BWF World Championships 2026, where they secured a bronze medal in women's doubles. The duo's journey to the semifinals included a challenging match against the world’s top-ranked pair, Liu Sheng Shu and Tan Ning, which ultimately ended in a three-game defeat.

While Nehwal had hoped for more medals in the singles categories, she expressed immense pride in Jolly and Gopichand's accomplishment. "I am really happy that we are performing well across all categories, and this time it was the women's doubles that delivered. Trisha and Gayatri put in such a powerful performance," she remarked. Nehwal acknowledged the potential for further success, stating, "I was expecting more medals for India this time, but I am extremely proud of Trisha and Gayatri. They played with tremendous confidence and showed great composure under pressure."

Jolly and Gopichand, currently ranked 39th in the world, made history by ending a 15-year drought for a women’s doubles medal for India, a feat last achieved by Jwala Gutta and Ashwini Ponnappa in 2011. Their success at the championships has reignited hopes for future achievements in Indian badminton, showcasing the growing talent and competitive spirit within the sport.