Beijing [China], July 4 (ANI): China's two-time Olympic badminton champion Lin Dan on Saturday announced his retirement, calling an end to his 20-year long glittering career.

The Chinese badminton star, who won gold in Beijing in 2008 and the 2012 London Games will not be competing in the Tokyo Olympics, which was pushed to 2021 due to coronavirus pandemic.

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"From 2000 to 2020, after 20 years, I have to say goodbye to the national team. It is very difficult to speak it out," Xinhua news agency quoted Lin Dan as saying on Weibo, China's twitter-like social media.

Former Malaysian badminton player Lee Chong Wei praised Lin Dan for his marvellous career.

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"We knew this day would arrive, Heavy moment of our lives; You pulled down the curtain gracefully, You were king where we fought so proudly; Your final wave all four disappear,Within the hush of silent tear," Lee Chong Wei tweeted.

According to the Chinese Badminton Association, Lin Dan submitted a formal retirement application a few days ago.

Taking into consideration his personal preference and current situation, the Chinese badminton national team agreed to his retirement, Xinhua news agency reported. (ANI)

(The above story is verified and authored by ANI staff, ANI is South Asia's leading multimedia news agency with over 100 bureaus in India, South Asia and across the globe. ANI brings the latest news on Politics and Current Affairs in India & around the World, Sports, Health, Fitness, Entertainment, & News. The views appearing in the above post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY)