New Delhi: One of badminton’s greatest players and 2016 Rio Olympics gold medalist Carolina Marin has announced her retirement from professional badminton, bringing the curtain down on an illustrious career. The Spanish star shared the news in an emotional social media video, confirming that she will skip the upcoming European Championships in her hometown of Heluva despite securing a wild card entry.
At age 31, Marin said his decision was largely due to recurring injuries, which made it too dangerous to continue competing. “Today I want to be direct. My path in professional badminton is over, and therefore I will not be participating in the European Championships in Huelva,” she said.He admitted that he had hoped to play a final match but chose not to risk further damage. “I wanted us to see each other on the track one last time, but I don’t want to risk my body for that. I said it many times, and I stand by my decision.”Looking back, he realized that his final appearance had already taken place at the Paris 2024 Olympics, where he had to retire mid-match due to a knee injury. “Finally, I retired at a track in Paris, in 2024, we just didn’t know then,” he said.Marin leaves an extraordinary legacy, including an Olympic gold medal, three world championship titles, and multiple European crowns. She famously defeated PV Sindhu in the Rio 2016 final to become Spain’s first Olympic badminton champion.Although she won’t end her career at court in Helwa, the city still holds sentimental value. “I wanted the road to end in helluva, and it will. Not with a racket in my hand, but in the city where I was born, to close the circle of many years,” she said.Grateful for her journey, Marian thanked her supporters: “Thank you for never letting me down, for being by my side and supporting me in the hardest moments. Thank you for your unconditional love.”“I leave my passion to be very proud of what I have achieved, but more than titles, to have respect in the world of sport,” she added, looking forward to a new chapter ahead.
