🏸 In a heartfelt message, Olympic badminton champion Huang Yaqiong has announced her departure from the Chinese national team. On Wednesday, she shared on social media that she has submitted her resignation and is officially ending her national team career.
\"I've been greeted with countless encouragement from everyone, hoping that I could continue my career,\" Huang wrote. \"But actually, during the run-up to the Paris Olympics, I'd already decided that it would be my last one.\"
Huang, who alongside her partner Zheng Siwei clinched the mixed doubles gold at the Paris Olympics, reflected on her journey. \"Although based on my current form, I still possess the physical ability to compete, the accumulated injuries over the years combined with the increasing age have made me lack confidence to continue shouldering the mission of winning glory for the country and maintaining the form as an elite athlete,\" she added.
The dynamic duo dominated the court, finishing the Paris tournament undefeated with a 6-0 record, not dropping a single set. Their victory followed a silver medal performance at the Tokyo Olympics three years prior.
Zheng Siwei had also announced his retirement from international competition last November. In their final international appearance together, they secured their third consecutive championship at the BWF World Tour Finals just last month.
Huang assured fans that her passion for badminton remains strong. \"Badminton is my lifelong pursuit, and I'm willing to give it my all,\" she expressed. Though she has left the national team, she intends to continue contributing to the sport in her own way.
We wish Huang all the best in her future endeavors and can't wait to see how she'll continue to inspire the next generation of badminton enthusiasts! 🙌
Reference(s):
Olympic badminton champion Huang to retire from Chinese national team
cgtn.com
