Chen Long Confirmed Retirement by Head Coach Xia Xuanze

Jayce September 6, 2024 2 0

On May 12, while the Chinese badminton team was actively preparing for the upcoming Sudirman Cup, fans received the news of Olympic champion Chen Long’s retirement. Xia Xuanze, the head coach of the Chinese badminton singles team, confirmed that Chen Long has retired, marking the beginning of a new phase in the career of this prominent men’s singles player from China.

Chen Long has retired

Chen Long, born in 1989, is now 34 years old. In 2014, he won his first World Championships title and became the world number one in the same year. He successfully defended his World Championships title in 2015.

His most notable achievement came at the 2016 Rio Olympics, where he defeated Lee Chong Wei 2-0 to win the Olympic gold medal in men’s singles, contributing to China’s third consecutive Olympic gold in the men’s singles category.

At the Tokyo Olympics, despite being a seasoned player, Chen Long displayed commendable performance by reaching the final of the men’s singles, ultimately losing 0-2 to Denmark’s Viktor Axelsen and securing the silver medal.

Chen Long has retired

Chen Long in the final of the Tokyo Olympics lost to Viktor Axelsen.

In addition to his individual achievements, Chen Long made significant contributions to the Chinese badminton team in team competitions, helping China win several Sudirman Cup and Thomas Cup championships.

In fact, as he aged, Chen Long had gradually faded from the competition scene after the Tokyo Olympics cycle ended.

In October 2022, due to lack of competition, Chen Long’s world ranking was removed from the list by the Badminton World Federation (BWF), effectively confirming his departure from professional competition, although he had not formally announced it to the public.

Throughout his career, Chen Long won a total of 11 world championships in singles and team events.

Chen Long has retired

Chen Long is currently coaching Li Shifeng.

Currently, Chen Long has quietly transitioned into a new role.

For instance, during this year’s national team training camp, Chen Long, along with retired Olympic champions like Li Xuerui and Cai Yun, formed a group of experts for the Chinese badminton team. They provide experienced guidance to current players, helping them perform better on the court.

Within this expert group, Chen Long’s main responsibility is to mentor Li Shifeng, a promising new talent in the Chinese men’s singles team, thus ensuring the continuity of the men’s singles project in Chinese badminton through mentorship.