jpnn.com, CHINA - One of China's top badminton players, Li Junhui, has chosen to hang up his racket at 26 years old.
Quoted from the Twitter account @BadmintonTalk, the Liu Yuchen's partner in the men's doubles category revealed that he had officially said goodbye to the badminton world this year.
ALSO SEE: Indonesia's Male Badminton Players Make History at Hylo Open
"Life is like a running train. No matter how it goes all the way, no matter if the scenery along the way is endless, there will be a stop at the end. Some people will get off the train, and some will get on the train," wrote Li Junhui.
Li Junhui also shared the moment when he first entered the world of professional badminton. He admitted that he was honored to be able to represent China in a number of prestigious events and to make his homeland proud.
ALSO SEE: The Minions Predicted to Make Terrific Record in Indonesia Masters
"Since entering the national team in 2012, I have opened the most exciting door of my life, and it has led me to climbing step by step," he said.
"It won me honor and glory for my motherland. I'm well aware that all of this is due to the meticulous nurturing by the team and the country over the years."
ALSO SEE: Indonesia Masters: Top Badminton Players Arrive in Bali
The meniscus injury he suffered was one of the reasons behind his decision to retire early.
"In 2017, I was in a Super League, in which I had an acute meniscus injury on my right knee joint. It was nearly Grade 3, combined with bone contusions of the distal femur and proximal tibia," he said.
Before deciding to retire, Li Junhui and Liu Yuchen were ranked fourth in the world.
During his career, the players had been the rivals of Indonesian mainstays Kevin Sanjaya Sukamuljo and Marcus Fernaldi Gideon, or The Minions.
The two pairs have clashed 13 times in a number of prestigious moments. The Minons were indeed more superior after packing 11 wins, compared to the Chinese pair with two.
However, the meeting of the two couples was always hot and fierce.
The Minions last met Li and Liu in the group stage of the 2019 BWF World Tour Finals, in which Kevin and Marcus won through a rubber game battle with a score of 21-18, 14-21, and 21-18. (mcr15/mcr20/jpnn)
This news has been broadcast on JPNN.com with the title: Kejutan! Musuh Bebuyutan The Minions Pilih Pensiun Dini dari Dunia Bulu Tangkis