Chinese Taipei badminton star Tai Tzu-ying announces retirement
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Tai Tzu-ying has been struggling with injuries since 2024 and unable to return to the international circuit.
PHOTO: AFP
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TAIPEI – Chinese Taipei’s badminton star and Olympic silver medallist Tai Tzu-ying has announced her retirement, saying her era “has come to an end” but that she hopes her spirit stays with fans.
“A beautiful chapter has come to an end. Thank you, badminton, for everything you have given me,” the 31-year-old said in a Facebook post late on Nov 7.
Born in the southern Taiwanese city of Kaohsiung, Tai has been struggling with injuries since 2024 and unable to return to the international circuit.
The three-time champion at both the All England Open and the Asian championships recalled her elimination from the 2024 Paris Olympics at the group stage, calling it “the toughest time of my career”.
“Before the Olympics, I wasn’t sure if my injured foot would allow me to compete, but I gave it my all. Others didn’t give up on me, so I couldn’t give up on myself,” she wrote.
“I couldn’t end my career the way I had hoped. I wasn’t ready to let go and I didn’t want people to see my weakest side, and it took me a while to come to terms with that. That’s why I chose to quietly announce my retirement here instead of on a big stage.”
She added that she underwent surgery and lengthy rehabilitation on both legs and thanked everyone who supported her recovery.
“I haven’t decided what I’ll do next, but for now, I’m going to enjoy a life without alarm clocks,” Tai added.
She ended the announcement by saying: “The TTY (her initials) era has come to an end, but I hope the spirit of TTY stays with you always.”
Tai started training and competing in badminton in elementary school and eventually became the first Taiwanese player to take the world No. 1 spot in late 2016.
She regained the top ranking multiple times between 2018 and 2020, bringing her total time at world No. 1 to a record 214 weeks.
During her peak, she dominated the circuit and claimed titles at the All England Open and Asian championships, with an incredible 27-match winning streak in 2017.
That year, she skipped the world championships to represent Chinese Taipei at the Taipei Universiade, where she won gold.
“Thank you for your hard work!” said Taiwan President Lai Ching-te in a message posted under Tai’s retirement announcement on her Facebook page.
“Thank you for letting the world see Taiwan’s strength through your sweat and perseverance.
“Your dedication and smile have long been a source of pride for all Taiwanese people.”
Tai, like the legendary Malaysian star Lee Chong Wei, will end her career without winning Olympic gold or the world championships. But her impact in the game is undeniable.
Indian rival P.V. Sindhu was one of the first to pay her tributes, with many others praising Tai as well.
“For over 15 years, you were the opponent who pushed me to my limits every single time. Two of the most important medals of my life – the Rio 2016 Olympic silver and the 2019 world championship gold – came after playing you in those marathon, heart-stopping matches,” said Sindhu.
“I won’t hide it: I hated playing you. Your wristwork, your deception, your calm brilliance made me dig deeper than I ever imagined I could. Facing you changed me as an athlete.”
Thailand’s Ratchanok Intanon, a former world champion, wrote: “Happy retirement for you Tai! Thanks for your hard work and some suggestions for me during this period! Hope it (is) working on me, and please tell me when you wanna come to Thailand. Enjoy your new capture!! See you around, Girl.”
Paris champion An Se-young of South Korea had simple but important words.
“I hope you have only good things happen to you,” she said. AFP
