Fellow athletes lined up to pay Chinese great Lin Dan their tribute after he announced his retirement from international badminton on July 4.
Here’s a selection of the best.
“Lin Dan had an aura when he came to the court, which was totally different. No one else had that. He believed he was the best, and one could make that out from his face. I’ve been a big fan of him for that.”
Prannoy H. S., India
“Respect to big brother Dan. He encouraged me to keep moving forward. Wish all the best for him.”
Shi Yu Qi, China
“Please believe that all the laughter, tears and promises are an unforgettable diary. My greatest opponent. Proud of you.”
Lee Chong Wei, Malaysia
“Lin’s performance in training and competition, and his achievements, have proved he’s an excellent athlete. I hope Lin’s new life after retirement will go well, and I hope he will not stay away from badminton and continue to work hard to promote badminton in a new way.”
Zhang Jun, Chinese Badminton Association president
“He’s a role model to all badminton players. His attitude, his passion for the game is second to none. Even as a top-class player, he still came to matches an hour before to start warming up. A fully committed player.”
Tse Ying Suet, Hong Kong China
“To hold your own place when some of your contemporaries are equally great players like Taufik (Hidayat), Lee Chong Wei and Peter Gade is something that speaks of his mastery.”
Pullela Gopichand, India coach
“The toughest opponent I had ever faced in my career. A true inspiration to badminton fans all over the world. An amazing athlete and possibly the greatest of all time in our game. Be proud and enjoy your life with family, friends and new adventures in the years to come.”
Peter Gade, Denmark
“Watching you play was a pleasure. But I know it’s never easy to keep up.”
Goh Liu Ying, Malaysia
FROM THE SOCIAL MEDIA
I remember playing my first-ever super series final against him. Playing him in China itself was special and he has been one of my favourite players to play against.
Have a happy retired life my friend, Lin Dan! 😊🤗 pic.twitter.com/mlGmi2fPzd
— Kidambi Srikanth (@srikidambi) July 4, 2020
Congratulations on a wonderful career Lin Dan. You are a champion and you will be missed on court forever. Enjoy the retirement.#LinDan #Legend pic.twitter.com/YjfMeFRr1d
— Pramod Bhagat (@PramodBhagat83) July 4, 2020
Can proudly say I was courtside for the final match @Rio2016 in the legendary rivalry between #LinDan and #LeeChongWei. People talk about rivetting rivalries between Ali-Frazier, Borg-Mcenroe, Federer-Nadal. This one was right up there between two living legends of badminton pic.twitter.com/w3UWqrNuzG
— Viren Rasquinha (@virenrasquinha) July 4, 2020
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Goodbye to the 🐐
Thank you for everything, Mr Lin Dan.#LegendsDidBegin pic.twitter.com/vUJfsA3orJ
— 🏆 Yonex All England Badminton Championships 🏆 (@YonexAllEngland) July 4, 2020
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