Beijing: Former World No. 1 women singles player Wang Yihan of China said goodbye to professional badminton on Thursday, after 12-year career with the China national team.
Wang who was born in Shanghai in 1988, was selected for the Chinese junior team in 2004, and after being promoted to the senior team in 2006 she began to shine in major tournaments.
2006 was her breakthrough year, where not only did she win the girls’ singles titles at both the Asian Junior and the World Junior Championships; but also later that year, she pulled off several upsets over her senior Zhang Ning, and Xie Xingfang to win the 2006 World Championships at the age of 18.
Wang has been regarded as the Superseries queen as she has won total of 20 titles, the most of any women’s singles player in the history of badminton. The only regret in her career was her failure to win an Olympic gold medal.
Below was what the current World No. 4 women’s singles player posted on her personal social platform in China during the Mid-Autumn Festival to bid farewell to her fans.
“4640 days with the national team were bittersweet as this has been a wonderful experience. I have been through many ups and downs, and have learned how to overcome and outgrow any setbacks. Although my hard word had paid off through winning all those medals, but the biggest achievement of my life was the inner nourishment acquired through this process. Thanks to my coaches, teammates and my country for all the support throughout these 12 years. I am going to say goodbye to this familiar scenery, and will begin a new chapter of my glorious life. Wish me well, my friend, hope to meet you all outside of the badminton court.”
