Viktor Axelsen Bows Out Of Professional Badminton At 32: 'My Body Won't Let Me Continue'

Last Updated:April 15, 2026, 11:58 IST

Viktor Axelsen retires from badminton after chronic back problems, the two time Olympic and world champion ends a glittering 16-year career on tour.

Two-time Olympic gold medallist shuttler Viktor Axelsen on Wednesday announced his retirement from professional badminton, saying that his body would no longer let him continue in the sport.

Axelsen bows out as one of the most decorated players in men’s singles history, a two-time Olympic and world champion, three-time European champion, Thomas Cup winner and a long-reigning world No. 1 with a glittering haul of major titles.

Axelsen began his professional career in 2010 and over the next 16 years, became one of the most fearsome shuttlers on tour.

“Due to my recurrent back issues, I am no longer able to compete and train at the highest level. After undergoing endoscopic surgery, multiple injections, new training methods, treatments and basically trying everything to become pain-free for a long time now, I have been advised to focus on my long-term health," Axelsen wrote in a post on Instagram.

“Happy retirement, boss🫡 . Wish you all the best 🙌," Indian shuttler HS Prannoy commented on the post.

“Happy retirement, Champ! It was an honour to share the field with you. See you again and good luck with your next chapter 🙌," star Indonesian shuttler Jonatan Christie commented.

Axelsen will sign off as World No. 50, not having played since the French Open in October, where he lost to compatriot Anders Antonsen in the quarterfinals.

“As most people know, I have been struggling with my back for quite some time. After I had surgery in April last year and went through a long rehabilitation process, I unfortunately had a setback in October," Axelsen said while speaking to Badminton Europe. 

In October, Axelsen had said that he was ending his season early and would like to focus on 2026, but the journey couldn’t restart.

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