Shi Yu Qi May Retire After Asian Games

Shoulder injury sparks retirement talk for Shi Yu Qi 

Badminton shock as former World No.1 Shi Yu Qi linked with retirement. Shi Yu Qi's future uncertain after 15 BWF titles and team glory for China.

It may be the end of an era. Former World No.1 Shi Yu Qi is linked with retirement after the Asian Games, and badminton fans are bracing for what comes next...

Reports online claim former Chinese World No. 1 Shi Yu Qi is considering quitting badminton following the Asian Games, which run from 19 September to 4 October.  

There’s been no official confirmation yet, but it’s believed a persistent shoulder injury suffered by the former world champion is behind the retirement talk.

The 30-year-old’s form has dipped badly. He was knocked out in the opening round of last week’s China Masters, losing 21-11, 21-10 to Singapore’s Loh Kean Yew.  

His struggles continued at the World Championships in New Delhi last month, where he couldn’t defend his men’s singles title after a first-round defeat to India’s Ayush Shetty.

Ranked sixth globally, Shi Yu Qi owns 15 BWF World Tour titles. The China Open last year was his latest triumph.  

👑 THE CHAMPION HAS FALLEN! AYUSH SHOCKS SHI YU QI!

Ayush stunned WR 1 and defending champion 🏆 Shi Yu Qi in the R64 of World Championships 🙌🔥❤️💙

21-14, 13-21, 21-19 💥🔥

What a statement victory from Ayush!
Absolutely fearless badminton on the biggest stage. 👏🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/8xyuOjojCx

— SPORTS ARENA🇮🇳 (@SportsArena1234) August 17, 2026

The former world No.1 was also a key figure as China won the Sudirman Cup, Thomas Cup, and Asian Championships. However, he’s still chasing his first Olympic medal and has never reached a final in Olympic competition.  

For now, it’s not known if he’ll be part of China’s squad for LA 2028.