Hong Kong Open: ‘I Try Two More Years’
Having previously shown reluctance to share her retirement plans, Ratchanok Intanon chose an opportune moment to confirm she intends to hang around the badminton circuit for another two years at least.
· PREM KUMAR
The disclosure came at LI-NING Hong Kong Open 2024, fittingly after she upended Gregoria Mariska Tunjung, the opponent who halted her progress in the Olympic Games quarterfinals last month.
“Almost half my life has been about badminton. Now I want to try and enjoy what’s left of my career,” started the 29-year-old after her 21-12 15-21 21-10 win, which sent her into a Super 500 last eight for the first time since the Indonesia Masters in January.
“I don't have high targets. I try two more years for the Asian Games (in Nagoya, Japan). I want to keep healthy, and not put pressure on myself anymore. I want to smile in every situation, even when results don’t go my way.”