Former Olympic gold medallist Carolina Marin announces retirement from badminton

Former Olympic gold medallist and multiple World Champion Carolina Marin on Thursday announced her retirement from professional badminton after a stellar 15-year career.

In a video message posted on the player’s official X account, the Spaniard said her persistent knee injury is what led her to take the difficult decision, opting to prioritise taking care of her body and health.

“I wish I had gotten the opportunity to end my career in a different way, but sometimes in life, things don’t always go the way that we want it to and we have to accept that,” the 32-year-old said .

The former World No. 1 was originally scheduled to end her career at the European Championships in Huelva, her hometown, after spending more than two years on the sidelines due to the injury. The Spaniard hasn’t played a match ever since she tore her ACL in the semifinals at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

“In a way, I will be retiring at Huelva, not with a racquet in my hand, but by giving back all the energy to the city where I was born and to experience an unforgettable week,” the Spaniard further said.

Marin in her message also thanked her parents, well-wishers, support staff, and sponsors for all their unconditional support during her playing career.

“I leave feeling very proud of everything I have achieved in the sport. Not just the titles, but also earning the respect of the sports world both on and off the court,” she said.

Marin’s career speaks for itself, having enjoyed success right from the junior ranks all the way up to the senior circuit. Her biggest achievements include the Olympic gold medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics, the three World Championship titles in 2014, 2015, and 2018, and her record seven European championship titles.

Her rivalry with P.V. Sindhu was another talking point from her career, with the defining moment of both their careers coming at the final at the 2016 Rio Olympics.

Marin and Sindhu, who were fierce rivals on the court and close friends off of it, were two players who helped badminton become a globally watched sport.
| Photo Credit:
PTI

Published on Mar 26, 2026