[Saba Sports News] Recently, renowned Japanese badminton player Chiharu Shida has updated her social media accounts one after another. She first shared a laid-back daily vlog, which won plenty of praise from fans. Shortly afterwards, she posted a trio photo featuring her former doubles partner Nami Matsuyama and women’s singles star Akane Yamaguchi. Chiharu Shida, Nami Matsuyama and Akane Yamaguchi once played for the Saikunshikou Pharmaceutical Badminton Club together and competed side by side for many years. At the Paris Olympic Games, the popular women’s doubles pair Shida/Matsuyama claimed a bronze medal, while Akane Yamaguchi fought hard in the women’s singles event. The three have long been close friends within the national team. Nevertheless, their doubles partnership has come to an end. Back in February this year, the pair played their final doubles match as Shida/Matsuyama, drawing the curtain on their decade-long partnership dating back to their high school days. On March 31, Chiharu Shida officially left Saikunshikou Pharmaceutical Club, embarking on a new chapter of her professional career.
The editor believes that this rare group shot of the three athletes after the dissolution of the doubles partnership and their club transfers has brought back countless fond memories for numerous fans. Meanwhile, Chiharu Shida openly shows that her profound bond with these two old friends remains unchanged.