Saina Nehwal announces separation from husband - Who is Parupalli Kashyap, his net worth and all you need to know

Time of India

2 days ago

Indian badminton champion Parupalli Kashyap, once married to Olympic medalist
Saina Nehwal
, has remained a prominent figure in Indian sports for over a decade. Known for his tactical intelligence, resilience, and achievements on the international stage, Kashyap's life—from early struggles with asthma to Commonwealth Games glory—paints the portrait of a determined sportsman.
Following the couple's recent divorce announcement after seven years of marriage, fans have become increasingly curious about Kashyap's background, career achievements, net worth, and personal journey. Here's everything you need to know about him.
Who is
Saina Nehwal's ex-husband
? Parupalli Kashyap's early life and education
Parupalli Kashyap was born on September 8, 1986, in Hyderabad, a city that would later become central to his sporting journey. His formative education took place at Loyola High School in Secunderabad, known for encouraging both academic and extracurricular excellence.
Showing an early interest in both studies and sports, he pursued a degree in computer science at the University of Petroleum and Energy Studies (UPES) in Dehradun.
However, it was at the age of 11 that Kashyap's life took a defining turn when he joined a badminton camp under coach S.M. Arif, marking the beginning of his journey into professional badminton.
Parupalli Kashyap's early challenges
and rise in badminton
Kashyap's early career was marked by an unexpected challenge—he was diagnosed with asthma, a condition that could have ended his athletic aspirations.
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However, instead of giving in, he demonstrated resilience. His family frequently relocated due to his father's job, which exposed him to diverse training environments. He briefly trained at the Padukone Academy in Bangalore, one of India's premier badminton institutions, before returning to Hyderabad in 2004.
There, he joined the Pullela Gopichand Academy, where his talent began to flourish. This move not only shaped his badminton journey but also marked the beginning of his long association with fellow player Saina Nehwal, who would later become his wife.
Kashyap's rise in badminton was greatly influenced by Indian badminton legends. He trained under Prakash Padukone, the first Indian to win the All England Open, and later under Pullela Gopichand, a Dronacharya Award-winning coach and former All England champion himself. Gopichand became Kashyap's full-time coach and played a pivotal role in refining his skills, guiding him through international competitions, and helping him climb the Badminton World Federation (BWF) rankings.
Parupalli Kashyap: Career milestones and awards
Kashyap's career is decorated with several notable accomplishments. At the 2010 Commonwealth Games, he won a bronze medal, despite a setback involving restrictions on his asthma medication. In 2012, he was honored with the Arjuna Award, India's second-highest sporting honor, in recognition of his achievements. That same year, he made history by becoming the first Indian male badminton player to reach the quarterfinals of the Olympics in London, a feat that raised the profile of Indian men's badminton globally.
His career peaked in 2013, when he achieved a world ranking of No. 6. In 2014, he earned his greatest victory—a gold medal in the men's singles category at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
In 2013, Kashyap was selected as the Icon Player for the Banga Beats, a franchise in the inaugural Indian Badminton League (IBL). His leadership role in the team further established his reputation as one of the top figures in Indian badminton and helped popularize the sport across the country.
Parupalli Kashyap relationship with Saina Nehwal
Kashyap's personal life also drew public attention. He met Saina Nehwal, India's first Olympic badminton medalist while training at the Gopichand Academy. Their bond grew over shared experiences, rigorous training, and global tours. The duo began dating in 2004, and after more than a decade together, they tied the knot in December 2018. Their relationship was often seen as a power couple dynamic in Indian sports.
However, after seven years of marriage, Saina announced their separation via social media on July 13, 2025, requesting privacy during the transition.
Parupalli Kashyap net worth
and current role
Parupalli Kashyap's financial standing reflects his years of hard work. His estimated net worth is around USD 1.5 million (approximately Rs 12.87 crore). Today, he continues to contribute to Indian badminton by coaching at the Gopichand Badminton Academy, mentoring young talent and sharing insights from his international career.
While Kashyap may have never sought the media spotlight, his impact on Indian badminton is significant. He broke new ground for Indian male shuttlers during a time when most attention was focused on the women's side of the sport. His victories, work ethic, and refusal to be limited by health challenges make him a role model. By reaching global rankings and Olympic milestones, Kashyap paved the way for a new generation of Indian male badminton players.
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