PV Sindhu Honors Carolina Marin's Retirement from Badminton

PV Sindhu has paid a touching tribute to Carolina Marin following her retirement from badminton. Marin, a three-time world champion and Olympic gold medalist, announced her decision due to ongoing injuries. Sindhu reflected on their intense rivalry and the friendship they built over the years, highlighting memorable moments from their careers. As Marin steps away from the sport, she leaves behind a legacy as one of the most successful female players in badminton history. This article delves into their shared experiences and the impact of Marin's retirement on the badminton community.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 27, 2026, 17:51 IST

A Heartfelt Farewell to a Badminton Legend

PV Sindhu, a two-time Olympic medalist, expressed her deep admiration for Carolina Marin, the gold medalist from the 2016 Rio Olympics, who announced her retirement from badminton on March 26. Marin, a three-time world champion, shared her decision in a video on social media, stating, "My journey ends here." She cited ongoing injuries as the reason for her choice to prioritize her health over competing one last time.

Marin confirmed, "I will not be participating in the European Championships in Huelva. I had hoped to see everyone one last time on the court, but I cannot risk my health for that. I stand firm in my decision."

With an impressive collection of 16 titles in BWF events, including 10 World Tour and 6 Super Series titles, Marin stands out as the most accomplished female singles player from Europe. Her rivalry with Sindhu was notable, highlighted by their memorable clash in the 2016 Rio Olympics final, where Marin claimed the gold medal.

Despite their friendship off the court, their matches were fiercely competitive. In 2023, both players received yellow cards during the Denmark Open semifinals due to a disagreement. Over their careers, they faced each other 18 times, with Marin leading the head-to-head record at 12-6. Their most recent encounter was at the Singapore Open in 2024, where Marin triumphed in straight games.

'Thank you for every battle, every lesson'

In a touching tribute, Sindhu reflected on their journey together, stating, "Some rivals become part of your journey forever. Carolina was one of them. We first played against each other as teenagers in the Maldives, and since then, we have shared countless battles. You were a formidable opponent on the court, with your intensity and skill being unmatched."

Sindhu also reminisced about their heated moment at the Denmark Open but emphasized their strong friendship outside of competition. "People remember the intense matches and even our disagreements, but I cherish the moments we shared over coffee in Madrid, filled with laughter and respect. That’s the Carolina I will always remember," she added.

Marin was part of a remarkable generation of badminton players, including stars like Tai Tzu Ying and Ratchanok Intanon, who dominated the sport for over a decade. While players like Sindhu and Intanon continue to compete, Marin's career has come to an end due to persistent knee injuries. She expressed gratitude for the camaraderie among her peers, stating, "Our generation made women’s singles a remarkable arena, and I am thankful for every battle, lesson, and friendship. I wish you a joyful retirement, Carolina. Badminton will miss you, and so will I."