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Parupalli Kashyap’s Instagram story suggests that he was in the Netherlands when Saina Nehwal made the separation announcement
Indian tennis ace Saina Nehwal stunned the entire country as she announced that she and her husband Parupalli Kashyap, also a badminton player, have decided to part ways. Saina said that the couple decided to choose “peace, growth, and healing”, hence they decided to break their marriage. While Kashyap himself hasn’t said anything on the matter yet, he did post an Instagram story roughly 6 hours before Saina’s big announcement. The Insta story didn’t directly highlight his point of view on the subject of divorce, but did suggest that he is in a healthy space.
The Instagram story from Kashyap saw him enjoying the Awakenings Festival, which was held from July 11-13 in Hilvarenbeek, Netherlands. In the story, Kashyap could be seen surrounded by a bunch of friends.
Kashyap is also a decorated badminton player for India. He is a 2014 Commonwealth Games gold medallist. When he achieved the feat 11 years ago, it was the first time in 32 years that an Indian badminton player had won a Commonwealth Games gold medal. Kashyap took training from some of Indian badminton’s finest coaches — former All-England champions Prakash Padukone and Pullela Gopichand.
Parupalli is also the first Indian male badminton player to reach the quarter-finals of the Olympics. He achieved the feat at the Summer Games in 2012. He also hit his career-best world ranking of six in 2013, but injuries prevented him from maintaining the same level of performance.
What Saina Nehwal Said On Separation With Parupalli Kashyap
“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,” Saina, a two-time Commonwealth Games champion, wrote.
“I’m grateful for the memories and wish nothing but the best moving forward. Thank you for understanding and respecting our privacy during this time,” she added.
Saina and Kashyap got married in December 2018.
They trained together at the Pullela Gopichand Academy in Hyderabad from their early days.
While Saina became a global icon with her Olympic bronze and world No. 1 ranking, Kashyap broke into the world top 10 and clinched the 2014 Commonwealth Games gold.
In a shocking turn of events that has left fans across the nation heartbroken, India’s badminton power couple—Saina Nehwal and Parupalli Kashyap—announced their divorce after nearly 6 years of marriage.
But what truly stirred the internet was a cryptic Instagram story shared by Kashyap just a few hours before the official announcement, which many now interpret as a subtle prelude to the bombshell that followed.
The story, which was up for 24 hours before being archived, has sparked speculation, emotional tributes, and countless questions about what went wrong in the seemingly strong partnership between two of India’s most celebrated athletes.
On the morning of the announcement, Parupalli Kashyap posted a single Instagram story—a black-and-white image of a lone shuttlecock lying on an empty court, accompanied by the caption:
At first glance, it seemed like a motivational post, something not unusual for a professional athlete. But in hindsight, fans and media outlets quickly connected the dots when the divorce announcement came just three hours later. Social media exploded with reactions, with fans calling it “heartbreaking,” “poetic,” and “a silent farewell.”
By early evening, Saina Nehwal’s team released an official statement confirming the couple’s separation:
“After much contemplation and mutual respect, Saina Nehwal and Parupalli Kashyap have decided to part ways. This decision comes after months of introspection and a shared understanding of personal growth. Both athletes continue to hold immense respect for each other and request privacy during this time.”
The statement, though respectful and mature, left fans reeling. The couple, who tied the knot in December 2018, were often seen together—traveling for tournaments, training together, and cheering each other on courtside. Their journey from teammates to soulmates was widely celebrated as a sports fairytale.
July 13, 2025 – 10:00 AM:
Parupalli Kashyap shares the cryptic Instagram story that now appears to be a subtle hint toward the breakup.
1:00 PM:
Social media accounts start noticing the post, with some fans commenting on the melancholy tone of the message.
4:00 PM:
Saina Nehwal’s team releases the official divorce announcement via Instagram and Twitter, confirming the end of the marriage.
4:15 PM – 9:00 PM:
Major news outlets pick up the story, trending hashtags include #SainaKashyapSplit, #SainaNehwal, and #KashyapPost. The original story by Kashyap is reposted on fan pages and discussion forums with thousands of comments.
Within minutes of the announcement, the Indian badminton and sports fraternity reacted to the news with a mix of shock and support.
- PV Sindhu, Olympic medalist, commented on Saina’s post: “Stay strong, Saina. Respect your courage to speak your truth. Wishing you peace and strength always.”
- Cricket legend Virat Kohli tweeted: “Love and respect to both @NSaina and @parupallik. You’ve both inspired millions. Wishing you clarity and healing ahead.”
- Social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram were flooded with emotional tributes, throwback photos, and video montages of the couple.
Saina Nehwal and Parupalli Kashyap’s journey began as friends and teammates during India’s golden rise in international badminton in the late 2000s and early 2010s. Both trained under the same coach, Gopichand, and were part of India’s elite shuttle squad.
Their romantic relationship blossomed gradually over years of international tours, victories, defeats, and shared experiences on and off the court. The couple officially tied the knot on December 14, 2018, in a private ceremony attended by close family, friends, and sports personalities.
Their wedding was described as “intimate, elegant, and refreshingly low-key,” and they often posted sweet moments from their post-marriage life—morning jogs, travel snaps, and workout routines.
However, sources close to the couple revealed that their busy travel schedules, injury recoveries, and pressure from competitive sports may have taken a toll on their personal life. “They grew apart over time, but there’s still mutual respect,” a friend close to the couple reportedly told a media outlet.
Now that fans are connecting the dots, Kashyap’s post is being widely analyzed. The “silent victories” part is interpreted by many as an acceptance of the end of the relationship—not as a failure, but as a mature decision for personal growth.
Some fans viewed it as a tribute to their journey, acknowledging the effort and memories rather than focusing on the end. Others found it hauntingly poetic and emotionally resonant.
One viral tweet said:
“That shuttlecock lying alone on the court. That line about endings. And then the divorce news. My heart is broken 💔 #KashyapStory”
Both athletes continue to remain active in the sport. While Kashyap has shifted more toward mentoring and coaching, Saina is still pushing for a comeback after recovering from a recent injury. She had hinted at participation in upcoming international tournaments later this year.
For now, both parties have refrained from further commenting beyond the official statement. Close friends urge the media and fans to give them the space they deserve.
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