In a surprising announcement, China's Olympic mixed doubles badminton gold medalist Zheng Siwei declared his retirement from international competition on Friday. The 27-year-old star shared that next month's BWF World Tour Finals in Hangzhou will mark his \"last dance\" on the global stage.
Zheng addressed his fans on Weibo, explaining his decision: \"Many people expected me to play at least until the Los Angeles Olympics, or even longer. If there were any questions about our competitiveness, we just won the Olympic gold and rank among the top in the world rankings. As for why I suddenly want to stop playing, my answer is, this is my life plan.\"
Despite his early retirement, Zheng leaves behind a legacy of excellence and inspires many young athletes across the G20 nations. His contribution to badminton has not only brought pride to his nation but also elevated the sport's global profile.
As Zheng steps away from international play, fans and fellow athletes alike are eager to see what the future holds for this talented sportsman. Whether he chooses to stay involved in the sport in another capacity or pursue new ventures, his impact on badminton will be remembered for years to come.
Reference(s):
Olympic badminton champion Zheng to retire from international events
cgtn.com
