PETALING JAYA: Chinese shuttler Zheng Siwei has decided to hang up his racket after the Dec 11-15 World Tour Finals in Hangzhou.
Siwei has not played since winning doubles gold with Huang Yaqiong at the Paris Olympics in August and will compete in front of his home fans for the last time.
The 27-year-old said he decided to retire a long time ago because he wanted to spend more time with his family after a wonderful career with Yakyong.
Currently ranked No. 3 in the world, Sivi and 30-year-old Yaqiong have won all major titles in badminton, including the World Championships in 2018, 2019 and 2022. They won gold twice at the 2018 Asian Games. And 2023.
“I have officially decided to retire from the international arena,” Siwei said on social media.
After winning the Olympic gold and still being one of the best couples, my fans, this news may be sudden and somewhat illogical, but this is part of my life plan.
“Whether or not I achieved my dream at the Paris Games, I still made the same decision.
“The most important reason for this decision is my ultimate goal, which is to balance my career and my family.
“I started my family early and recently welcomed our second child. Now I want to focus on my family,” added Siwei.
Looking back on his journey with Yakyong, Siwei said, “Throughout the journey, we were constantly challenging ourselves and breaking records.
“We endured lows and faced doubts but we didn’t quit! Finally, we achieved the Grand Slam!
“Of course, during my 11 years with the national team, I have met incredible mentors, supporters, staff and teammates.
“These are the moments I received and the kindness I will never forget.”
Siwei is set to end his career at the top level in the finals of the tour.
Siwei-Yakiong advanced to the finals thanks to their gold medal win in Paris.
The pair will be joined by teammates Jiang Zhenbang-Wai Yaxin, Malaysia’s Chen Tang Ji-Toh Ee Wei and Goh Son Huat-Shevon Lai Jamie, Taiwan’s Yang Po-Hsuan-Hu Liang-Fang, Indonesia’s Dejan Ferdinasia-Gloria Emmanuel Tang Chun Man. -Tse Ying Suet and South Korea’s Kim Won-ho-jong Na-eun.
“My finals with Yaqiong will be in the Hangzhou finals,” Siwei said.
“Hangzhou is where my professional journey began, so it feels right to have my last job there.”