KUUMAR SHYAM (ABU DHABI)
Dubai-based badminton legend Viktor Axelsen has announced his retirement at the age of 32, citing persistent back problems that have prevented him from competing and training at the highest level.
The Dane, who has called the emirate his home since August 2021, revealed the decision on Wednesday in a statement that marked the end of one of the most illustrious careers in the sport's history. Axelsen underwent back surgery in April last year and, despite his best efforts, was unable to overcome the lingering physical issues.
"Accepting this situation has been incredibly difficult," he said. "But I have now reached a point where my body won't allow me to continue."
For UAE fans and the local badminton community, Axelsen's retirement means the former world No.1 should be available more as a coach at his academy in Nad Al Sheba.
He relocated to Dubai with his family shortly after claiming his first Olympic gold, seeking shorter travel times to Asian tournaments, superior training conditions, and a climate better suited to his asthma and acute rhinitis.
He established his base at the Nad Al Sheba Sports Complex, where he trained regularly and even ran sessions that attracted top international players, including India's Lakshya Sen and Singapore's Loh Kean Yew. Over the years, many in the region came to view him as a local figure who brought world-class expertise to the emirate's sporting scene.
Axelsen retires as a two-time Olympic champion, having triumphed in Tokyo in 2021 and defended his title in Paris in 2024 – emulating his idol Lin Dan by securing back-to-back golds. Axelsen held the world No.1 ranking in men's singles for a total of 183 weeks, making it the third-longest reign in badminton history, trailing only Lee Chong Wei (398) and Dan (211).
He is the current holder of the Male Player of the Year award by the world body BWF. His Paris success capped a remarkable run that included two world titles in 2017 and 2022, three consecutive BWF World Tour Finals victories from 2021 to 2023, and a bronze medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics.
Standing 1.94m tall, Axelsen brought a powerful, athletic style that redefined men's singles. He spent more than 100 consecutive weeks as world number one, a feat surpassed only by Malaysia's Lee Chong Wei. Popular with fans globally, he spoke fluent Mandarin and often invited emerging talents to train alongside him in Dubai.
"I have accomplished everything I once dreamed of, and more," Axelsen reflected. "What makes it hardest to say goodbye is not the competition itself, but everything around it – the journey, the daily grind, the people. I have given everything to this sport. It has never been just a career to me. It has been my life and I have left no stone unturned."
Axelsen was only the second non-Asian after his compatriot Thomas Lund to claim two world titles. His move to Dubai not only optimised his own preparation but also contributed to the growth of the sport in the region through his academy-style training camps at Nad Al Sheba, which should continue.