KUALA LUMPUR: Two-time Olympic gold medallist, Viktor Axelsen, announced his retirement from professional badminton on Wednesday at the age of 32 due to recurrent back issues.
The former world number one said his body is unable to compete and train at the highest level.
“After undergoing endoscopic surgery, multiple injections, new training methods, treatments and basically trying everything to become pain-free for a long time now, I have been advised to focus on my long-term health.
“Accepting this situation has been incredibly difficult. But I have now reached a point where my body won’t allow me to continue,” he said in a statement in his social media.
Axelsen, who turned professional in 2010, hangs his racket as one of the most decorated players in men’s singles history.
Throughout his career, the Dane has won most of the major titles at least once, including the Olympics, World Championship, All England and Thomas Cup. – BERNAMA
