Badminton: Five shuttlers who might retire in 2024

Published at :February 11, 2024 at 10:00 AM

Modified at :February 11, 2024 at 10:00 AM

(Courtesy : Badminton Association of India)

Their retirements will mark the end of a golden era of badminton.

In the realm of badminton, 2024 might witness significant contemplations of retirement from eminent players like Tai Tzu Ying and Kento Momota, whose remarkable dominance has graced the sport for years. Tai Tzu Ying’s mesmerizing style and Kento Momota’s exceptional skill have been defining forces in the singles categories. Additionally, the accomplished Indian shuttler Saina Nehwal, renowned for her tenacity and achievements, might also weigh her future in the sport.

In the doubles arena, the formidable pair of Mohammad Ahsan and Hendra Setiawan, known for their remarkable partnership and tactical brilliance, could be contemplating bidding adieu. If these illustrious players decide to retire, it will mark the end of an era in badminton, leaving behind legacies that have profoundly impacted the sport.

Top shuttlers who might retire in 2024

Tai Tzu Ying

The former World no. 1, Dr. Tai Tzu Ying, the woman to have a decade etched on her name has announced her decision to retire post Paris Olympics 2024. It has been in the headlines since she has been very much vocal about her plans. At instances, she has hinted and even directly spoken about her retirement plans. Her retirement will mark as the end of an era.

The era where she was untouchable, unbeatable, ever gracious on court. Tai is now an inspiration to millions; her game style and trick shots are welcomed by shuttlers across all disciplines. Her name will always remain intertwined with badminton.

Saina Nehwal

Former World No.1 and very inspiring, now 33-year-old shuttler, Saina Nehwal might say it a day. She has been out of action for more than six months for now. She has talked about how her body is not supporting her anymore to push any further. Her knee starts hurting once she trains for more than an hour.

Still, Saina Nehwal was interested to fight a battle for the Paris Olympics 2024 but now all of it looks bleak. Her contribution to Indian badminton remains unwavering, the first shuttler to win a medal at Summer Olympics.

Mohammad Ahsan/Hendra Setiawan

36-year-old Mohammad Ahsan and 38-year-old Hendra Setiawan, who started the year 2023 with World Rank 02 are now currently outside the top 10. Hendra Setiawan is undoubtedly one of the greatest men’s doubles badminton players with one gold at Summer Olympics and four World Championships gold.

Whereas Mohammad Ahsan is a three-time World Championships gold medalist. Commonly known as the “Daddies”, they ruled the circuit once and are now almost at the dusk of their career. With Indonesia leveling up their men’s doubles roster, the iconic duo might call it a day post Paris Olympics 2024.

Lee So-hee

The iconic women’s doubles player for Korea, the 29-year-old Lee So-hee, might call it a day post Paris Olympics. The 2021 World Championships silver medalist has been part of the gold medal winning Korean side at Sudirman Cup 2017 and Uber Cup 2022.

The doubles ace has close to 20 titles among her accolades. She won silver medals with Baek Ha-na at 2022 Asian Games and 2023 Asian Badminton Championships. With a positive embarkment journey towards Paris Olympics 2024, she might call it a day post the event.

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Kento Momota

Two-time World Champion, Kento Momota, was unstoppable in his prime but faded away post the Tokyo Olympics. He was involved in a fatal accident in 2020 that kept him out of action for longer than a year. He returned to action in March 2021, but has since failed to hit the pre-injury level of performance. He won just one title in 2021, the Indonesia Masters.

The Japanese star’s next title came in 2023 after eight first round exists as won the Korea Masters title, the only positive from the year. Though he is up for a slow and steady comeback, the 29-year-old may bid farewell to the circuit post the Paris Olympics. His record of 11 titles in a single season is still intact.

Some other notable names include former World no. 2 Chou Tien Chen, Former World No.1 Sayaka Hirota and Olympian Beiwen Zhang.

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