On the night of May 19th, Chen Long announced through his personal Weibo that he had decided to end his career as an athlete in the national team and expressed his gratitude to the China badminton team, family and fans. Chen Long also expressed his willingness to share his experience with young players, and he will continue to strive for the development and strength of badminton in the future.
According to Xinhua News Agency, on the evening of May 19th, after the quarter-final of Sudirman Cup in Suzhou, more than 6,000 spectators were still waiting to witness the retirement ceremony of four former national team members, namely Chen Long, Zhang Nan, Liu Cheng and Li Junhui.
Chen Long, the two-time champion of men’s singles in the World Championships, entered the top three in three consecutive Olympic Games, winning the bronze medal in London Olympic Games, winning the gold medal in Rio Olympic Games and winning the silver medal in Tokyo Olympic Games, completing the grand slam of gold, silver and bronze medals. Zhang Nan is the mixed doubles champion of London Olympic Games and the men’s doubles champion of Rio Olympic Games. Liu Cheng and Li Junhui are both men’s doubles champions in the World Championships, and Li Junhui also won a silver medal in men’s doubles at the Tokyo Olympics.
On May 19th, retired athletes Liu Cheng, Chen Long and Zhang Nan (from left to right) were at the retirement ceremony. Xinhua News Agency reporter Yang Lei photo
On May 19th, Chen Long (left back) hugged his wife Wang Shixian (left front) at the retirement ceremony. Xinhua News Agency reporter Yang Lei photo
At the retirement ceremony, the four players recalled their unforgettable moments in the national team and expressed their gratitude and love to the national team, the Chinese Badminton Association, their families and fans. Their families also came to the scene to send blessings to their loved ones, and the warm scenes made the audience applaud from time to time.
Zhang Jun, president of China Badminton Association, wished the four players better and better, and specially asked them to "never leave badminton".
On May 19th, retired athletes Li Junhui, Zhang Nan, Chen Long and Liu Cheng (from left to right) signed autographs at the retirement ceremony. Xinhua News Agency reporter Hou Zhaokang photo
On May 19th, retired athletes Li Junhui (first from right), Zhang Nan (third from right), Chen Long (fourth from left) and Liu Cheng (second from left) took a group photo at the retirement ceremony. Xinhua News Agency reporter Hou Zhaokang photo
It is worth mentioning that the "retirement ceremony" is not only enjoyed by national team members. During the Sudirman Cup, China Badminton Association also held an honorary retirement ceremony for coaches He Xiangyang and Jiang Guoliang, team doctor Liu Cuiping and media reporters. Zhang Jun said that it is these coaches, staff and media reporters who love badminton and devote a lot of efforts to the cause of badminton that the China badminton team can always maintain its strong competitiveness. Holding a ceremony for their retirement shows the respect of the badminton community in China.