Mumbai, Jan. 25 -- Badminton champ Saina Nehwal, former world No. 1 and winner of multiple international titles, announced her retirement earlier this week, sending ripples across the sporting fraternity. Speaking to HTCity, the 35-year-old says that the decision had been on her mind for a while.

"I knew it since a long time and discussions kept happening, but eventually the best option was to quit. It came to a point where I had difficulty climbing the stairs. I had to listen to my body," she shares, adding, "Having played for 25 years, of course I will miss being active. Coaching is always an option. I want to give back to society, but all that will take some time."

On how her family responded, Saina says that her parents, husband Par...