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NEW DELHI: The badminton world was left stunned on Wednesday as Denmark’s two-time Olympic champion Viktor Axelsen announced his retirement at the age of 32, citing persistent back problems that have made it impossible to “compete and train at the highest level.” The decision brings down the curtain on 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 The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!Axelsen, who underwent back surgery in April last year, admitted that accepting the situation had been “incredibly difficult,” but acknowledged that his body could no longer keep up with the demands of elite sport. His retirement comes after a glittering career that included Olympic gold medals at Tokyo 2021 and Paris 2024, along with two World Championship titles and a bronze at the Rio 2016 Games. Standing at 6 ft 4 in, Axelsen redefined the physical possibilities in badminton, combining reach, power, and precision to dominate the men’s singles circuit.His achievements extended beyond medals. Axelsen spent over 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 — particularly in China, where he speaks Mandarin — made him one of the sport’s most beloved global ambassadors.
Viktor Axelsen and Lakshya Sen (PTI Photo)
India’s Lakshya Sen led the tributes, calling Axelsen “one of the greatest to ever play the game.” Reflecting on their journey, Sen recalled training with the Dane in Dubai and facing him on some of the sport’s biggest stages, including the All England Open and the Paris Olympics. “What truly sets you apart isn’t just the champion you are, it’s the person you are,” Sen wrote, highlighting Axelsen’s humility and character beyond his on-court dominance.Former India coach Vimal Kumar described the retirement as “a significant loss for the sport,” praising Axelsen’s professionalism and lasting impact. As badminton now enters a transition phase, Axelsen leaves behind a legacy that transcends records — one built on discipline, innovation, and an enduring influence on generations to come.
