Indian badminton ace Ajay Jayaram, who achieved a career-best ranking of world number 13 in 2017, has decided to quit after nearly 2 decades of professional involvement in the sport.
The 34-year-old, who can boast of being a Czech International and Dutch Open champion, took to social media to issue a statement announcing the same.
“As all good things come to an end, so does my nearly 2-decade professional badminton journey. I have decided to retire from competitive badminton and am writing this with tears in my eyes and a lump in my throat,” the statement read.
“While I’m engulfed in all these overwhelming emotions, I would like to celebrate and be grateful for all that badminton and sport, in general, have given me. »
“Badminton has defined most of who I am today. It shaped me, taught me, grounded me and showed me what dreaming big can do,” Jayaram shared of his relationship with sports.
“From picking up the racquet at a nearby club as a shy 7-year-old boy, to competing in the biggest stadiums as a world top 15 player, I am indebted to this wonderful sport for all the exciting and rewarding experiences I have had. he gave me. »
“I’ve won, lost, cried, laughed, fought, been through ups and downs, lived and thrived, all in the 44*20 foot rectangular space,” the emotional athlete said.
“My mum, dad, sister, coaches, fiancé, friends, colleagues, competitors, sponsors, physios, coaches have all been instrumental in shaping my career and I will be with them. eternally grateful. »
Jayaram, who is the first Indian to medal at the Korea Open, expressed his gratitude to those who made his long career a success.
“To all my lovely fans, followers, critics and supporters, you pushed me through tough times and celebrated with me when I won. For an athlete, this unconditional support means the world. I love you guys. »
Speaking about what the future holds for him, the badminton player, who represented the Mumbai Rockets in the Badminton Premier League, showed no commitment.
“While I certainly feel this great void, the silver lining is that I’m going to be embarking on something new and exciting, but I’ll talk about it tomorrow. »
“For now, I will try to let this sink in,” the statement concluded.
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