Beijing: The Paris Olympics mixed doubles gold medalist – Huang Yaqiong shared a groundbreaking announcement on her personal Weibo account on Jan 1, 2025: she has officially submitted her resignation from the China national badminton team. Born in 1994 in Quzhou, Zhejiang Province, Huang is celebrated for her exceptional performances in mixed doubles. Alongside her partner Zheng Siwei, the dynamic duo had achieved numerous victories, including clinching the mixed doubles gold medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Huang’s Emotional Farewell Message
“Hello everyone, Happy New Year! This is Yaqiong. As we welcome 2025, I want to share some news with you: I have officially submitted my resignation to the national team! I’ve read all your messages of encouragement, hoping I’d continue competing, but I’ve treated the Paris Olympics as my final Games from the start. To me, competing wasn’t just about perseverance; it was about striving for new heights.
Though I’m still physically capable of playing, the accumulation of injuries and the passage of time have made me less confident in my ability to continue representing the nation at the highest level. Moreover, as I look to the next chapter of my life, I’m filled with anticipation for new opportunities.
However, let me emphasize this: leaving the national team doesn’t mean leaving the sport I love. Badminton remains my lifelong passion. I’ll continue supporting the national team in any way I can, even as a sparring partner if needed! 🤗
I have countless people to thank: my country for nurturing me, the coaches and staff of the national team, my incredible partner Zheng Siwei, my teammates, and Liu Yuchen. Each of you has contributed to my strength and wisdom, allowing me to shine. And, of course, I’m grateful to myself—for staying optimistic and resilient throughout this journey.
Badminton is my ultimate calling. I’m committed to dedicating myself to this beloved sport, striving to achieve more in this new chapter. Let’s keep chasing our dreams and honoring the past with new efforts.”
A Career Full of Glory
Huang Yaqiong’s journey with the China badminton team is marked by extraordinary accomplishments. She first made waves in 2011, helping China secure the Mixed Team Championship at the Asian Junior Badminton Championships. In 2018, she and Zheng Siwei stunned the world by winning gold at the Nanjing World Championships. The pair went on to defend their title in 2019 and earned a silver medal at the Tokyo Olympics. During the Paris Olympic cycle, they dominated numerous tournaments, including the Asian Championships and World Championships.
Their crowning achievement came at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where they defeated South Korea’s Kim Won-ho and Jeong Na-eun in straight sets to claim gold in mixed doubles. This victory completed their Grand Slam, cementing their status as legends in the badminton world.
