Copenhagen [Denmark], April 15 (ANI): Viktor Axelsen has introduced his retirement from skilled badminton on the age of 32 on Wednesday. Axelsen defined ongoing bodily limitations following again surgical procedure in April 2025 as the rationale for hanging up his boots.
The Danish shuttler retires as one of the crucial profitable males’s singles gamers in historical past, having received Olympic gold at Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024, together with a bronze medal at Rio 2016. He additionally clinched World Championship titles in 2017 and 2022, in accordance with the BWF web site.
Axelsen mentioned it was a tough determination to step away from the game, explaining that recurring again issues have made it inconceivable for him to proceed coaching and competing on the highest degree. He added that though accepting the scenario has been laborious, his physique can not assist his skilled profession.
‘Today is just not a simple day for me. Due to my recurrent again points, I’m not in a position to compete and prepare on the highest degree. Accepting this example has been extremely tough. But I’ve now reached a degree the place my physique will not permit me to proceed,’ Viktor Axelsen mentioned in an Instagram put up.
Reflecting on his journey, Axelsen mentioned, ‘Since the day I picked up a racket, I knew my dream was to turn into one of the best on this planet. I’ve given the whole lot to this sport. It has by no means been only a profession to me. It has been my life and I’ve left no stone unturned.’
He mentioned he has achieved the whole lot he as soon as dreamed of and extra. He added that what makes retiring tough is just not the competitors itself, however the journey, day by day routine and the folks concerned.
‘I’ve completed the whole lot I as soon as dreamed of, and extra. What makes it hardest to say goodbye is just not the competitors itself, however the whole lot round it. The journey, the day by day grind, the folks,’ Axelsen mentioned.
Thanking followers, he added: ‘Words can’t describe how grateful I’m for all of you. Your assist from all world wide means greater than you realize.’
Viktor Axelsen mentioned that whereas he’s stepping away from skilled badminton, he isn’t leaving the game completely. He added that he shall be round one or the opposite.
‘While that is goodbye to Viktor Axelsen the badminton participant, I’m not saying goodbye to the game infinitely. I’ll all the time be round come what may. I gave the whole lot to badminton and badminton gave me the whole lot again,’ Axelsen mentioned.