Mumbai, Nov 8 (NationPress) India's two-time Olympic medallist PV Sindhu has shared an emotional tribute on social media to Tai Tzu-ying from Chinese Taipei, the Tokyo Olympic Games silver medallist, who revealed her retirement from the sport on Friday.

Tai Tzu-ying, a two-time World Championships medallist and gold medalist at the 2018 Asian Games, announced her decision to step away from the sport at the age of 31.

“A beautiful chapter has concluded. Thank you, badminton, for everything you have provided me,” the 31-year-old expressed on her Instagram. “Ultimately, my injuries compelled me to exit the court. I couldn’t conclude my career as I had envisioned, and it took me time to reconcile with that.

“I haven’t yet decided what my next steps will be, but for now, I’m going to relish a life without alarm clocks,” she added.

On Friday, Sindhu reminisced about the competitions she had against the legendary player from Chinese Taipei—especially during the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro and the 2019 World Championship—and said how Tai challenged the Indian star to her limits.

"For over 15 years, you were the rival who consistently pushed me to my limits. Two of the most significant medals of my life — the Rio 2016 Olympic silver and the 2019 World Championship gold — were achieved after competing against you in those intense, nail-biting matches.

"In Rio, we clashed in the pre-quarters, and in Basel, it was the quarters — and on both occasions, I had to dig deeper than I ever thought possible. And of course, you got back at me in the 2021 semifinals and denied me an Asian Games gold. I still recall that one with a smile," PV Sindhu noted in her Instagram post.

Sindhu, now 30, also revealed her challenges in playing against Tai, known for her wristy technique and deceptive shots.

"I won’t conceal it: I disliked competing against you. Your wristwork, your deception, and your calm brilliance pushed me to dig deeper than I ever imagined. Facing you transformed me as an athlete. @taesang2734 (Park Tae-sang) can attest to how much we prepared before facing you," Sindhu wrote.

Sindhu also reflected on the friendship they developed beyond their competitive rivalry and the deep respect they share. "However, beyond the competition, we forged something truly valuable. A quiet friendship, a profound respect, and a bond shaped through years of battles that only we fully comprehend," she shared.

"Seeing you retire feels like losing a piece of my journey. The sport will miss your magic, and so will I. It’s starting to dawn on me that my generation of players is gradually stepping away, and nothing truly prepares you for that.

"Wishing you the most beautiful second chapter in life, dear Tai," Sindhu concluded her heartfelt message on social media.