Indian badminton star PV Sindhu penned an emotional tribute to her long-time rival and friend Tai Tzu-Ying, who announced her retirement from the sport on Friday. Taking to social media, Sindhu reflected on their 15-year rivalry — one defined by intense on-court battles and quiet mutual respect off it.
Tai, the former world No. 1 from Chinese Taipei, leaves behind a glittering legacy. The 31-year-old clinched a silver medal at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, along with two World Championship medals — silver in 2021 and bronze in 2022. She also captured an Asian Games gold in 2018, three Asian Championships titles, and 17 BWF World Tour crowns, the most recent coming at the India Open 2024.
Over the years, one of Tai’s fiercest and most respected opponents was PV Sindhu. The pair faced each other 24 times on the international circuit, with Tai holding a commanding 19–5 head-to-head record. Yet, their duels produced some of badminton’s most memorable moments, including their Olympic meetings where Sindhu defeated Tai in the Round of 16 at Rio 2016 on her way to silver, and Tai returned the favour in the Tokyo 2020 semifinals before Sindhu went on to win bronze.
Their photo on the podium after the Tokyo Olympics, where both exchanged a warm smile despite the stakes, remains one of the most enduring images of sportsmanship in badminton.
In a heartfelt post shared on X (formerly Twitter), Sindhu reminisced about their encounters and how they shaped her career.
“For over 15 years, you were the opponent who pushed me to my limits every single time. Two of the most important medals of my life, the Rio 2016 Olympic silver and the 2019 World Championship gold, came after playing you in those marathon, heart-stopping matches. In Rio, we met in the pre-quarters, and in Basel, it was the quarters, and both times I had to dig as deep as I ever have. And of course, you got me back in the 2021 semifinals and denied me an Asian Games gold. I still remember that one with a smile.”
Sindhu then confessed that while she “hated” playing against Tai, the challenge made her a better athlete.
“I won’t hide it: I hated playing you. Your wristwork, your deception, your calm brilliance made me dig deeper than I ever imagined I could. Facing you changed me as an athlete. Park coach will tell you how much we prepared before playing you.”
But beyond the rivalry, Sindhu said what stood out most was the bond they built over years of shared experiences on the circuit.
“Beyond the rivalry, we built something truly meaningful. A quiet friendship, a deep respect, and a bond shaped through years of battles that only we fully understand.”
The two-time Olympic medallist admitted that Tai’s retirement felt like the end of an era.
“Watching you step away feels like losing a piece of my own journey. The sport will miss your magic, and so will I. It is starting to hit me that my generation of players are slowly beginning to step away, and nothing really prepares you for that. Wishing you the most beautiful second innings, dear Tai.”
Tai Tzu-Ying’s artistry, deceptive play, and unmatched wristwork made her one of the most gifted shuttlers of her generation. For Sindhu, and for badminton fans around the world, her retirement marks the close of a golden chapter defined by grace, rivalry and friendship in equal measure.
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