Chinese Olympic gold medallist Zheng Siwei has announced his retirement from professional badminton at the age of 27. Despite securing the mixed doubles gold medal at the Paris Olympics earlier this year and achieving global recognition, Zheng shared that “achieving more titles holds little appeal to me.” His decision reflects a desire to focus on other aspects of his life beyond the court.
Zheng, who has played alongside Huang Yaqiong in mixed doubles, will mark the end of his illustrious career at the BWF World Tour Finals in Hangzhou next month. The event holds sentimental value for Zheng as it takes place in the city where his journey in badminton began.
In a heartfelt post on social media, Zheng addressed fans who might be surprised by his decision, especially given his recent Olympic success. “Many expected me to continue playing at least until Los Angeles or even longer. We just won the Olympic gold medal and are still among the top ranks globally. So, why stop now?” he wrote, adding that retiring after fulfilling his Olympic dream had always been part of his long-term plan.
“I’ve always been someone with a clear life plan. I know what I love, what I’m good at, where my goals lie, and this life I want to lead,” Zheng explained. While acknowledging his career achievements, he expressed a desire to not be solely remembered as “World Champion” or “Olympic Champion Zheng Siwei.”
A significant factor influencing his decision is the importance of family. Zheng stated, “If I continue competing on the courts, I’ll inevitably spend more time away from my loved ones. My wife and I have been together for 12 years, but our true life together begins only after this Olympic cycle.”
Zheng’s journey in badminton began when he joined the Chinese national team in November 2013. Within two years, he made a mark by securing six gold medals at junior championships. His transition to mixed doubles brought further success, particularly after teaming up with Huang in November 2017. Together, they achieved remarkable milestones, including Olympic gold, three world championship titles, and two Asian Games gold medals.
Reflecting on his decision, Zheng highlighted his philosophy of balancing personal aspirations with professional goals. His legacy extends beyond titles, with fans and the badminton community celebrating his contributions to the sport.
