(Image source from: Dailyhunt)

Ace Indian Badminton player Saina Nehwal has confirmed her wedding date with badminton player Parupalli Kashyap, that is on December 16 this year.

Speaking to TOI, Saina said that she will be occupied with Premier Badminton League December 20 onwards, soon after which the Tokyo Games qualifiers will begin. "So this was the only date that we had to get married," she said.

Saina talked about her and Parupalli's decade-long relationship and their journey until deciding to get married.

The duo begun traveling for bigger tours around 2007-08, which meant that they trained together, played tournaments together and with time, started paying much attention to each other's game.

"In the competitive world that we live in, it's difficult to get close to someone. But somehow we both found it easy to talk to each other and about our matches," Saina said, adding that their bond grew stronger over time.

But the discussion on marriage did not take place immediately. Saina said it was important for them to win tournaments and they did not want to risk getting distracted by getting married.

An athlete, Saina explained, needs attention "like a baby" and while she is getting this at home, things would change if she got married. While she did not want to hurry into anything before Commonwealth and Asian Games, Saina now thinks that they are ready and can manage things by themselves.

Saina as well shared that she and Puarpalli help each other with their games and push each other. Further, he is getting into coaching, so he helps her with her game likewise.

As for her parents, Saina disclosed that she did not have to break the news about her relationship with Puarpalli to them, as they already knew. "We used to be together most of the time and my parents also traveled with me, so they understood who I was close to and comfortable with even after my losses," Saina said.

About a week ago, a source-based story in TOI had revealed that Sania and Parupalli would be getting married in December. The report said that it would be a private ceremony with about 100 people attending and that December 21 was set aside for a reception and a bigger celebration.

-Sowmya Sangam