Reflecting on Badminton World 2024: What Will We Remember?
Trang Napie
Sat Jan 04 2025
The world of badminton bid farewell to some of its legendary players in 2024, leaving fans with memories of their remarkable careers and achievements. As the Olympic Paris 2024 marked a new chapter for the sport, it also highlighted the end of an era for several top athletes.
One of the most influential retirees of 2024 was Kento Momota, who overcame setbacks to become a two-time World Champion. Despite retiring at the Thomas Cup, Momota's legacy as one of the most talented men's singles players will be celebrated for years to come. The departure of the dynamic Indonesian duo, Marcus Fernaldi Gideon and Kevin Sanjaya Sukamuljo, also marked the end of an era, as they thrilled fans with their unique style before retiring in 2024.
Zheng Si Wei, after achieving his ultimate dream of winning Olympic gold, chose to retire at the World Tour Finals 2024, ending his career on a high note. Lee Yang, another Olympic champion, left a lasting legacy with his historic back-to-back gold medals, cementing his status as one of the game's greats.
From Japan, retirements included Wakana Nagahara, Aya Ohori, Kanta Tsuneyama, Akira Koga, and Taichi Saito, each leaving behind a legacy of success and dominance in their respective categories. On the Chinese side, He Bing Jiao, Liu Yu Chen, Ou Juan Yi, and Tan Qiang bid adieu, showcasing their class and sportsmanship throughout their careers.
As the curtain fell on these illustrious careers, the badminton world will fondly remember the contributions and achievements of these iconic players. Their retirements mark the end of an era while paving the way for new stars to emerge and carry the sport forward. While fans may miss their on-court exploits, the legacy of these players will continue to inspire future generations of badminton enthusiasts.