Danish badminton star Viktor Axelsen, a two-time Olympic and world champion, has announced his retirement from the sport due to a persistent back injury that has plagued him for an extended period. The 32-year-old athlete has been unable to compete since October of last year and has made the difficult decision to step away from professional badminton following consultations with his medical team.
Axelsen underwent back surgery in April of the previous year and subsequently endured a lengthy rehabilitation process. However, he experienced a setback in October, which has prevented him from returning to his previous level of performance. (Axelsen told ‘Badminton Europe’ that since those tournaments, he has not been able to play or train due to pain). “That is why I am unfortunately forced to make this extremely difficult decision,” he stated.
As per information available with TahirRihat.com, the badminton player held the world number one position for an impressive 183 weeks, the third longest reign in the history of the sport. With the pain showing no signs of abating and doctors cautioning him about the potential need for further surgery, Axelsen concluded that he had no choice but to listen to his body’s signals. The risk of a more serious procedure, should the initial surgery prove unsuccessful, further solidified his decision to retire.
Throughout his career, the affable Dane managed asthma, showcasing remarkable resilience and determination. He achieved consecutive gold medals at the Tokyo and Paris Olympics and secured the top spot at the 2017 and 2022 World Championships, demonstrating his dominance in the sport. Furthermore, Axelsen played an integral role in six gold-winning Danish teams at the European Championships, solidifying his legacy as one of badminton’s greats.
(Axelsen said that the decision has been made in consultation with the surgeon who operated on him last year, as well as the doctors he has been working with). They conveyed to him that his current pain levels could potentially necessitate another surgery. He relayed that if that surgery does not go well, even a more serious procedure might be necessary.
Axelsen’s last competitive appearance was at the Denmark Open in October 2025. Despite the circumstances surrounding his retirement, he said he intends to reflect on his career with fondness. He acknowledged the difficulty of his decision, recognizing the physical toll the sport has taken on his body over the years.
Axelsen expressed gratitude for the experiences he has gained throughout his career and the people he has met along the way. (He stated that very few people get to experience what he has experienced and meet so many amazing people and that’s why he looks back on his career with joy).
The badminton community mourns the loss of one of its brightest stars but celebrates the remarkable achievements and contributions of Viktor Axelsen to the sport. His dedication, skill, and sportsmanship will be remembered and admired for years to come.
Tahir Rihat (also known as Tahir Bilal) is an independent journalist, activist, and digital media professional from the Chenab Valley of Jammu and Kashmir, India. He is best known for his work as the Online Editor at The Chenab Times.
