Retired Taiwanese badminton ace Tai Tzu-ying said she would like to spend her time passing on her experience to the next generation of players, once she has rested from an intense career in the sport.
Speaking at a promotional event on Friday, the former world No. 1 said mentoring young players is something she hopes to do in the future.
“I hope to share my experience and skills with grassroots and elementary school players,” Tai said. “I want to give them another perspective and more options before they enter junior high school, while helping them learn how to adapt their training and competition strategies in different situations.”
Photo: CNA
However, she said with a laugh that those plans would have to wait a little longer.
“Once I’ve had enough rest, that’s something I’d like to do,” she said. “As for when that will be, I don’t have a specific timeline yet.”
The 32-year-old officially retired in November last year, ending a career spanning more than 16 years in which she established herself as Taiwan’s most successful badminton player ever.
Her final season was overshadowed by a serious knee injury. Tai competed at the Paris Olympics in 2024 despite the injury but was eliminated in the group stage, leaving the court in tears after the defeat. She played her final tournament at the Taipei Open that September before stepping away from competition.
Since retiring, Tai said she has slowed down and spent more time with her family, including her sister’s two children, while making up for years of missed travel during her playing career.
“I just got back from a two-week trip to New Zealand,” she said. “Life is really different now. I’ve been able to see much more of the world, and I’ve lost track of how many places I’ve visited since retiring.”
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