KUALA LUMPUR — Reigning Olympic mixed doubles gold medallist Zheng Siwei has announced his retirement from international badminton at the age of 27.
In a heartfelt statement, the China badminton star revealed it was a decision long in the making, despite being at the peak of his career.
Siwei, shared that he will make one final appearance with his partner Huang Yaqiong at the season-ending World Tour Finals in Hangzhou, scheduled from December 11 to 15.
“I know my fans might find this sudden, but this has always been part of my life plan,” Siwei explained in a lengthy social media post.
“Regardless of whether I achieved my dream at the Paris Olympics, I would have made the same choice.”
Reflecting on his illustrious career, in which he has also won three World Championships titles, Siwei described how he approached his Olympic journey with precision to ensure there were no regrets.
“Winning the gold medal in Tokyo was the culmination of my dream. I’m incredibly fortunate to have reached this pinnacle,” he added.
Siwei joined the China national team in 2013, and in 2015, he transitioned to mixed doubles, partnering with Yaqiong in a pairing that would make history.
Together, they won multiple world titles and other major events, becoming one of the sport’s most dominant duos.
Grateful for the people who supported him, Siwei said: “During these 11 years, I’ve been blessed with incredible mentors, teammates, and fans who have stood by me. The kindness I’ve received will stay with me forever.”
A key reason for his retirement is his desire to focus on family life.
Having recently welcomed his second child, Siwei shared: “It’s time to balance my career and family. My wife and I have been together for 12 years, and I don’t want to spend more time away from my loved ones.”
Zheng assured fans that he is not leaving badminton entirely, promising to stay active in the sport and continue to inspire others.
“This isn’t goodbye—you’ll still see me. I’ll dedicate myself to learning, growing, and exploring new horizons,” he said. — November 29, 2024