Legendary Chinese shuttler Lin Dan, the first men's singles player to retain the Olympic title, on Saturday announced his retirement, bringing down curtains on a two-decade long illustrious career. Considered as one of the greatest players in history, the two-time Olympic champion, popularly known as 'Super Dan', announced his retirement on China's twitter-like social media Weibo. "From 2000 to 2020, after 20 years, I have to say goodbye to the national team. It is very difficult to say it out loud," the 36-year-old, who had claimed gold medals at the 2008 and 2012 Olympics, wrote.

"Being 37 years old, my physical condition and injuries no longer allow me to fight alongside my teammates. There is gratitude, reluctance and frustration. In the days to come, I hope to spend more time with my family, and I will also look for a new 'competition'," he said, according to Xinhua. He said he dedicated everything to the sport he loved.