Source:Oriental Image/Zheng Hongliang
[Saba Sports News] On November 26, 28-year-old Chinese badminton men’s singles star Zhao Junpeng announced on social media that he is retiring from the national team, ending his 12 years and 4 months career as a national player. He shared a group photo with teammates Shi Yuqi, Weng Hongyang, and Lu Guangzu, expressing gratitude for the development he received from the Chinese badminton team, the help from coaches and staff, and the companionship of his brothers. Zhao stated that although he is leaving this small family of the Chinese badminton team, their hearts will always be together. He wishes the team continued success and hopes for a smooth new journey for himself. According to records, Zhao joined the Chinese badminton national team in 2012, won a bronze medal in men’s singles at the 2014 World Junior Championships, and clinched the men’s singles title at the 2016 Macau Golden Grand Prix. In 2022, he represented the Chinese men’s badminton team at the Thomas Cup, and later that year, he won a bronze medal in men’s singles at the Badminton World Championships, marking the best performance for Chinese men’s singles at the World Championships during the Paris Olympic cycle. Recently, at the 2024 Xinchang “Changxing Ji” Lin Dan Cup Badminton Open, Zhao won the men’s singles championship, earning a prize of $27,500.