New Delhi: The badminton world was stunned on Wednesday when Denmark’s two-time Olympic champion Viktor Axelsen announced his retirement at the age of 32, citing persistent back problems that made it impossible to “compete and train at a high level”.The decision brings to a close one of the most dominant and transformative careers in modern badminton, marking the end of an era defined by excellence, consistency and global influence.Go beyond limits with our YouTube channel. Subscribe now!Axelsen, who had back surgery in April last year, admitted it was “incredibly difficult” to accept the situation, but admitted his body could no longer cope with the demands of elite sport. His retirement follows an illustrious career that has included Olympic gold medals at Tokyo 2021 and Paris 2024, as well as two World Championship titles and a bronze at the Rio 2016 Games. Standing at 6 feet 4 inches, Axelsen redefined the physical possibilities in badminton, combining reach, power, and accuracy to dominate the men’s singles circuit.His achievements went beyond medals. Axelsen spent 100 consecutive weeks as world No. 1, a feat bettered only by Malaysian legend Lee Chong Wei. He also became the first non-Asian Olympic champion in men’s singles since 1996 and later emulated his idol Lin Dan by winning back-to-back Olympic golds. Off the court, his ability to connect with fans – especially in China, where he speaks Mandarin – has made him one of the sport’s most beloved global ambassadors.
Viktor Axelsen and Lakshya Sen (PTI photo)
India’s Lakshya Sen paid tribute, calling Axelsen “one of the greatest players ever to play the game”. Reflecting on his journey, Sen recalls training with Dean in Dubai and facing him at the sport’s biggest stages, including the All England Open and the Paris Olympics. “What really sets you apart is not just the champion you are, it’s the person you are,” Sen wrote, citing Axelsen’s humility and character beyond his dominance on the court.Former India coach Vimal Kumar praised Axelsen’s professionalism and lasting impact, calling the retirement “a significant loss to the game”. As badminton now enters a transitional phase, Axelsen has left a legacy that goes beyond records—one of discipline, innovation and a lasting influence on generations to come.
