Beijing: China's two-time Olympic badminton champion Lin Dan on Saturday announced his retirement, calling an end to his 20-year long glittering career.
The Chinese badminton star, who won gold in Beijing in 2008 and the 2012 London Games will not be competing in the Tokyo Olympics, which was pushed to 2021 due to coronavirus pandemic.
"From 2000 to 2020, after 20 years, I have to say goodbye to the national team. It is very difficult to speak it out," Lin Dan was quoted as saying on Weibo, China's twitter-like social media.
Former Malaysian badminton player Lee Chong Wei praised Lin Dan for his marvellous career.
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We knew this day would arrive,
— Lee Chong Wei (@LeeChongWei) July 4, 2020 " class="align-text-top noRightClick twitterSection" data="
Heavy moment of our lives;
You pulled down the curtain gracefully,
You were king where we fought so proudly;
Your final wave all four disappear,
Within the hush of silent tear.#lindan pic.twitter.com/gLJdpPTkB9
">We knew this day would arrive,
— Lee Chong Wei (@LeeChongWei) July 4, 2020
Heavy moment of our lives;
You pulled down the curtain gracefully,
You were king where we fought so proudly;
Your final wave all four disappear,
Within the hush of silent tear.#lindan pic.twitter.com/gLJdpPTkB9We knew this day would arrive,
— Lee Chong Wei (@LeeChongWei) July 4, 2020
Heavy moment of our lives;
You pulled down the curtain gracefully,
You were king where we fought so proudly;
Your final wave all four disappear,
Within the hush of silent tear.#lindan pic.twitter.com/gLJdpPTkB9
"We knew this day would arrive, Heavy moment of our lives; You pulled down the curtain gracefully, You were king where we fought so proudly; Your final wave all four disappear, Within the hush of silent tear," Lee Chong Wei tweeted.
According to the Chinese Badminton Association, Lin Dan submitted a formal retirement application a few days ago.
Taking into consideration his personal preference and current situation, the Chinese badminton national team agreed to his retirement.
