Veterans keep their dreams alive

Battling on

Also mixing it with the young guns was badminton veteran Chen Long. After winning the men's team gold for Fujian province, Chen was defeated by younger national squad teammate Shi Yuqi in their men's singles semifinal, before opting out of the bronze-medal match due to injury.

"I just want to congratulate Shi Yuqi. He's a really outstanding player. He's younger and better than me," said the 32-year-old, who won singles silver at Tokyo 2020.

"There are always regrets in our lives. The loss of Olympic gold in Tokyo is a bigger regret. For me, the Tokyo Olympics and the National Games were the two most important tournaments this year.

"Training is tough for a veteran like me. But as long as I keep my dreams alive, I can still play. It remains a question if I can still participate in the Paris Olympics. My next goal is the Asian Games next year."

Gold at the 2016 Rio Olympics confirmed Chen as the successor to Chinese badminton legend Lin Dan. However, he failed to retain his title in Tokyo, losing to Denmark's Viktor Axelsen in the final.

"I chose to quit the National Games because of the injuries, and I have mixed feelings after my last match. I feel exhausted after all the competitions," Chen wrote on Weibo.

"From the Olympics to the National Games, it feels like I have used all my energy. As I have tried my best, I don't have regrets now. Now I just want to return home to spend time with my family. I will take things slow and have a good rest."