China's badminton star He Bingjiao, who won silver at the 2024 Paris Olympics, is stepping back from international competitions, the Badminton World Federation confirmed this week. The 27-year-old athlete will continue playing domestically, capping a career that includes two World Championships bronzes and key roles in China's Sudirman Cup and Uber Cup victories.
He's Olympic journey ended with a nail-biting finals loss to South Korea's An Se-young, marking her best Games performance yet. But it was her sportsmanship that stole hearts : During the semifinals, her opponent, Spain's Carolina Marin, withdrew due to injury. He later honored Marin by wearing a Team Spain pin during the medal ceremony, calling it a tribute to her 'spirit.'
'Marin is an incredible athlete—I wanted to carry her energy into the final,' He said at a press conference. The gesture earned praise from the International Olympic Committee and fans worldwide, cementing her legacy as a champion both on and off the court .
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China's Olympic runner-up He Bingjiao to exit international badminton
cgtn.com