PV Sindhu’s tribute to retiring Tai Tzu-ying: ‘I hated playing you; your wristwork, your deception, your calm brilliance made me dig deeper than I ever imagined’

Considered one of the most graceful players to have played the sport, the former world No 1 in women's singles Tai Tzu-ying confirmed her retirement from badminton; Sindhu, Marin and Intanon paid their tributes.

Badminton star Tai Tzu-ying. (Instagram)

While her retirement has been on the cards for a while now, badminton star Tai Tzu-ying confirmed on Friday that she is officially bidding farewell to the sport where she delighted fans around her world with her artistry. Considered one of the most graceful players to have played the sport, the former world No 1 in women’s singles was known for her deception – the ability to change the direction of the shuttle at the last possible moment with a flick of her racket.

“A beautiful chapter has come to an end. Thank you, badminton, for everything you have given me,” she wrote on Instagram. “Last year was the toughest time of my career. Before the Olympics, I wasn’t sure if my injured foot would allow me to compete, but I gave it my all. Others didn’t give up on me, so I couldn’t give up on myself. Eventually, my injuries forced me to leave the court. I couldn’t end my career the way I had hoped, and it took me a while to come to terms with that. After undergoing surgery and lengthy rehabilitation on both legs, I’m grateful to everyone who supported my recovery. I haven’t decided what I‘ll do next, but for now, I’m going to enjoy a life without alarm clocks. Thank you all again for being part of my journey. The TTY era has come to an end, but I hope the spirit of TTY stays with you always.”

Tzu-ying, like the legendary Lee Chong Wei before her, will finish a glorious career without the Olympic gold or World Championships title against her name but her impact on the game went beyond results. Here are some tributes that her peers paid for the incomparable Chinese Taipei shuttler, starting from Indian superstar PV Sindhu.

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PV Sindhu, double Olympic medallist

For over 15 years, you were the opponent who pushed me to my limits every single time. Two of the most important medals of my life — the Rio 2016 Olympic silver and the 2019 World Championship gold — came after playing you in those marathon, heart-stopping matches. In Rio, we met in the pre-quarters, and in Basel, it was the quarters — and both times I had to dig as deep as I ever have. And of course, you got me back in the 2021 semifinals and denied me an Asian Games gold. I still remember that one with a smile. I won’t hide it: I hated playing you. Your wristwork, your deception, your calm brilliance made me dig deeper than I ever imagined I could. Facing you changed me as an athlete. Coach Park Tae Sang (Sindhu’s former coach) will tell you how much we prepared before playing you.

But beyond the rivalry, we built something truly meaningful. A quiet friendship, a deep respect, and a bond shaped through years of battles that only we fully understand. Watching you step away feels like losing a piece of my own journey. The sport will miss your magic, and so will I. It is starting to hit me that my generation of players are slowly beginning to step away, and nothing really prepares you for that. Wishing you the most beautiful second innings, dear Tai.

Park Tae Sang, Sindhu’s former coach

You always played your best whenever you faced my players. I still tell my players about your amazing performances. You were one of the best, and I’ll be cheering for you in your next chapter.

Carolina Marin, Rio Olympic champion

Happy retirement my friend! You were a role model of technique in our sport and a hard opponent to defeat. I will always remember all the games we face each other. I wish all the best in your new chapter and hope to see you soon somewhere around the world.

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Ratchanok Intanon, former World Champion, who played TTY

Happy retirement for you Tai! Thanks for your hard work and some suggestions for me during this period! Hope it (is) working on me and please tell me when you wanna come to Thailand. Enjoy your new capture!! See you around Girl.

An Se-young, Paris Olympic champion

I hope you have only good things happen to you.

Gillian Clark, voice of badminton

You have brought great joy to so many of us who have watched in awe at your wonderful movement and exquisite skills. Your exemplary sportsmanship has been a lesson and example to all athletes and has shown it is possible to uphold the true ethics of sport and yet still remain a determined and great champion. Over the last year I have hoped beyond hope that you would be able to recover from your surgeries to be able return to competition, and now, sadly I know that is not possible. I, like literally thousands of fans around the world, will miss watching you play. Take care and all good wishes for the future. Happy retirement Dr Tai Tzu Ying.