Xie Xingfang published on her blog that she wanted to first focus on the upcoming tournaments before the National Games in China – her last appearance for high level competition, before “relaxing”.Translation by Elisabeth Wu. Xie Xingfang seems happy and relieved that the announcement of retirement has finally come out. She expressed it on her recent blog entry, few days after Li Yongbo revealed that the top shuttler was to quit after the National Games. “ I want an happy ending for my last tournament. Still a few weeks left before the ChangZhou Li Ning China Masters Super Series which will start on September 15th. I don’t know if you know it or not but I will play at this tournament Now, all the women' s singles players are training actively and are preparing the tournament. After the World Championships, some of us went to the Macau Open and some went to ChangChun to meet badminton fans. People there who love playing badminton are very good and full of energy, I’m wondering how is the badminton level of my fans ? I really like interacting with fans because when you play you have fun, you are happy. I can only get rid of my nervousness and stress on the badminton court when I’m with you haha ^_^. Later, if I have the opportunity, I would like to take part in this activity with my fans. I want to be as happy as you on tournaments. About my retirement, I have already decided to retire after the Shandong National Games so you don’t need to guess or ask me questions anymore. I know that a lot of people are concerned about my future after my retirement. I will first relax but now I have to focus on the upcoming tournaments. For the Guangdong team, the National Games are extremely important. For my last tournament, I hope I will play well and help my province to win the gold. You have to support me all ! " Blog entry on August 25th 2009: " Yesterday, it was the Chinese Valentine’s day, a lot of people had plans, right ? It is a nice opportunity to express your love and thank your lover, your family or your friends. In this context, I would like to thank you all from the bottom of my heart for your consistent love and support. Since I came back from the Worlds, I received a lot of letters and even song messages. I was very touched by all these attentions so now I would like to say a big thank you and wish you and your close friends good health and happiness. "  |
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 November 23rd,2008. It is a day worth remembering, to all badminton fans and also to me. During the finals of the Li Ning China Open in Shanghai, the team organized a grand yet simple retirement ceremony for me and my retiring teammates. Among the retirees, there was Yang Wei, whom I partnered to win the World Junior title 12 years ago; and also Wei Yili, my partner when we won the women’s doubles title for Hubei in the 2005 National Championships.
Photos: Badmintonphoto.com (archives)
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 Six retirees in the team had a retirement ceremony at the China Open in Shanghai today. I don’t know how I should describe my feelings now. Previously, I have always felt reluctant whenever our teammates were retiring. Seeing younger players leaving before me, I’m unsure how I should describe that feeling. Today, finally I’ve retired…
I feel very glorious and proud to have grown up in such a united and mighty team as this one. This team is the one that has given me all the pride and achievements I have today. I want to thank my coaches. You are the ones who have cultivated and educated me. Your logic and scientific ways of training have made me mature slowly throughout these 17 years I’ve spent on the national team. You’ve made me an outstanding player; you’ve thought me how to be a better person; and you’ve trained me to win many titles.
I would also like to thank our team leaders. It’s your concern and confidence in me that have allowed me to make it till today. You’ve encouraged me when I lost in tournaments and have never lost trust in me. You gave me the greatest power and support when I was defeated and felt hopeless. I will never forget you!
Thanks to our team’s medical personnel (our team doctors). You were the ones who helped me when I was injured or ill. You never grumbled about it. As a veteran player, I’ve suffered from many injuries and it takes a longer time to heal. I hereby thank all of you for your hard work!
All my achievements are the fruit of my hard work along with my fellow teammates. I would like to thank all of you for your sacrifice for me. I can never separate these achievements and pride from my thoughts of all of you. I will also never forget the times I’ve spent with all of you; in life, training – everything!
I also want to thank Coach Chen Fangchan and his assistant Coach Li Jirong for their help in my preparations for the Olympic Games.
Most of all, thank you – Chief Coach Li Yongbo! Without his confidence and faith in me, I wouldn’t have had such an excellent record like I have today. Thank you for giving me the chances. I didn’t let you down…
Thanks to all the people who support me. Thanks to my fans. There are far too many people I would like to show gratitude to. Thank you for your silent support and encouragement at my back!
I would also like to thank my family. Thank you for valuing my choice. It has allowed me to chase my goal in my career without having to worry much.
I have put a full stop to my journey as an athlete, yet – I have not left the sport. I chose to remain with the team as a coach, because I love badminton. I hope to completely pass on my experience to the younger players. Perhaps this could be the best way I can repay the national team for their cultivation all these years. Besides, it is a responsibility that I’m bound to fulfill. I sincerely wish all the junior players all the best. May they work hard and appreciate every chance given to them. Never give up and hold on till the very end! Wishing all of you to grab more titles and make our country proud!
Zhang Ning’s blog:
http://zhangning.qzone.qq.com
Translated by Ee-Lyn OOI,
Blogs Translator,
Badzine Correspondent (MAS).
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