Badminton Players Who Say Goodbye at BWF World Tour Finals 2024

The BWF World Tour Finals 2024 was an exciting tournament, gathering the best badminton players of the season. It featured seven top players in each category and Olympic champions, battling for a prize pool of $2,500,000. The event saw thrilling matches and some emotional farewells as several badminton legends made their last appearances on the international stage.

Players who bid farewell at the BWF World Tour Finals 2024

Zheng Siwei

Zheng Siwei, the Chinese mixed doubles star, shocked fans when he announced his retirement shortly before the tournament. Zheng, together with his partner Huang Yaqiong, had an outstanding career, winning Olympic gold and silver medals and three World Championship titles. At just 27, his career was already filled with accomplishments.

In his social media post, Zheng shared his feelings: “I’ve officially decided to step out of the international stage! I know what I love, what I’m good at, and where my goals lie. Winning more titles holds little appeal to me now.”

Zheng had joined the Chinese national team at the age of 16 and gave his all to badminton. His retirement reflects his desire to focus more on his family and start a new chapter in life.

Lee Yang

For Taiwan’s Lee Yang, the BWF World Tour Finals 2024 was also his final tournament. Lee, along with his partner Wang Chi-Lin, gained global fame after winning gold medals at both the Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 Olympics.

The pair’s journey came full circle when they faced their fellow Taiwanese players, Lee Jhe-Huei and Yang Po-Hsuan, in Group A. This match was special, as Lee Yang and Wang Chi-Lin had played their very first match as a duo against these same players back in 2019.

Lee Yang reflected on this moment: “It’s destiny. My first match with Chi-Lin was against Jhe-Huei and Po-Hsuan, and now our final match will also be against them.”

Despite winning their final match, Lee and Wang did not advance beyond the group stage. However, their gold medal in Paris 2024 secured their place in this prestigious tournament, and they will always be remembered for their impressive career.

Aya Ohori

Japan’s Aya Ohori, often called the “Ethereal Goddess,” also decided to retire at the end of the 2024 season. Aya, at 28, announced her retirement in a heartfelt message to her fans, saying: “Looking back on my 22-year career, filled with happiness thanks to everyone’s support, I feel truly blessed.”

Aya’s achievements included her first Super Series title at the 2024 Thailand Masters, followed by a win at the 2024 Australian Open. She also won a bronze medal at the 2023 Hangzhou Asian Games.

In her final appearance at the BWF World Tour Finals 2024, Aya impressed everyone by winning all her group-stage matches, defeating some of the world’s top players. Despite her strong performance, her journey ended in the semifinals, where she lost to China’s Han Yue.

A Look at Their Final Achievements

These players have left an unforgettable mark on the sport. Their retirements not only mark the end of their personal careers but also the end of an era in badminton. Their achievements will continue to inspire upcoming players and fans for years to come.

Conclusion

The BWF World Tour Finals 2024 was not just a display of high-level badminton but also a farewell to some of the greatest badminton players in history. Zheng Siwei, Lee Yang, and Aya Ohori have all contributed greatly to the sport, and their legacies will continue to inspire future generations of badminton players. As they retire from international competition, new players will rise, carrying forward the excitement and passion for the game.

Their stories remind us of the dedication and hard work it takes to become champions, and while their professional careers may have ended, their impact on badminton will last forever.

Also Read: Top Five Greatest Badminton Players From The USA