Chinese badminton nice Chen Long has introduced his retirement aged 34, ending a adorned profession that included Olympic gold and two world titles. The former world primary received the Olympic crown at Rio 2016 and adopted it up with silver on the pandemic-delayed Tokyo Olympics in 2021. He has not performed since and has now formally referred to as it quits, following within the steps of legendary Chinese participant and teammate Lin Dan, who retired in 2020.

“This is a difficult moment for me. It’s so hard to say goodbye,” Chen wrote on the Twitter-like Weibo late Friday.

“At this special moment, I’m really full of emotion. I want to say thank you to the Chinese badminton team, my family and the fans.

“Badminton is the love of my life. I used to be fortunate sufficient to put on the nationwide shirt and play for my nation, as a result of not all desires come true in life,” he added.

Chen’s achievements were often overshadowed by the more charismatic Lin, but he was hugely successful in his own right, winning the world title in 2014 and 2015.

He also took bronze at the London 2012 Games, ensuring he retires with an Olympic medal of every colour.

(This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)