Victor Axelsen: Veteran badminton star Victor Axelsen retired, his journey ended due to this injury

New Delhi: Two-time Olympic and world champion badminton player Victor Axelsen announced his retirement on Wednesday, saying that he had to take this decision due to continuous injuries. This 32-year-old Danish player has not been able to participate in any competition since October last year due to a back problem. He also underwent surgery for this but his pain still persists. Three-time European champion Axelsen told ‘Badminton Europe’, “As most people know, I have been struggling with my back problem for a long time. After undergoing surgery in April last year and undergoing a long period of ‘rehabilitation’, unfortunately the pain recurred in October.”

He said, “Due to pain I am not able to play or practice. Because of this I was forced to take this very difficult decision.” Axelsen has been the world number one player for 183 weeks and he is in third place in this matter. She said she finally had to listen to her body after being warned of another surgery if the pain did not subside and the doctors continued playing games. This sociable natured player has been struggling with asthma throughout his career. She won consecutive gold medals at the Tokyo and Paris Olympics and topped the 2017 and 2022 World Championships. He was also part of six Danish teams that won gold medals at the European Championships.

He said, “I have taken this decision after consulting doctors. He says that with the pain I am experiencing now, I may have to undergo another surgery. If the surgery is not successful, you may have to undergo a more serious procedure. My body is signaling me to stop and I have to follow the advice of my doctors.” Axelsen played his last competitive match at the Denmark Open in October 2025.