Home
Spain's legendary shuttler, Carolina Marin has announced her retirement from the game due to a recurring knee injury. The 32-year-old who beat PV Sindhu in Rio Olympics 2016 to claim the gold medal and has won three world champions, took the harsh decision after a long absence from the court. Marin has held the no.1 rank for a record 66 weeks and also has seven European Championships to her name.
"My journey in professional badminton has come to an end and therefore I will not be competing in the European Championships in Huelva," Marin said.
ALSO READ: Big News: BCCI announces IPL 2026's second phase schedule, know the full fixture here
"I wanted us to see each other for the last time on a track, but I don't want to put my body at risk for that. I said many times, and I am consistent with my decision."
ALSO READ: Massive blow to defending champions RCB, star pacer to miss IPL 2026 due after NOC denial
Long bout with knee injuries
Marin's last appearance on the court was during the Paris Olympics 2024. She suffered an ACL injury in her right knee in the semifinal clash. She tried to play through the pain with a knee brace but collapsed on the court soon after. She was not fit to play the bronze medal match either. Her first ACL injury was in 2019. Two years later, she had an ACL injury in her left knee.
"In the end, I did retire on a track, in Paris, in 2024, only then we did not know,” she said.
"Thank you for never letting me fall, for being by my side, and for supporting me in the hardest moments. Thank you for your unconditional love,” Marin added.
'Retiring at Huelva, not with a racquet in my hand'
The injury has prevented Marin from competing in Huelva. She has won record seven European championships but this time she won't have the racquet in her hand.
"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 said.
"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 added.
ADVERTISEMENT
