Lee Yong Dae Officially Leaves South Korean Badminton National Team
The other half of the world's No. 1 ranked doubles badminton player Lee Yong Dae played his last match as a member of the national team by winning the gold medal at the Victor Korea Open 2016 in Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province. Lee, together with his doubles partner Yoo Yeon Seong won the gold medal in the said event.
Lee officially ended his stint as a national team player but he also confirmed that he will continue to play badminton professionally, according to a report from the Korea Times.
Following his win in his final match as a member of the national team, Lee stated, "I was determined to leave the national team because I was starting to feel too much pressure representing Korea. I felt that being a member of the national team was too consuming physically and mentally."
He also mentioned that he plans to spend more quality time with his parents whom he was not able to see often because of his commitment to training at the National Training Center in Seoul.
Before the official announcement of his departure from the national team, Lee, together with his doubles partner Yoo, won against Chinese duo Li Junhui and Liu Yuchen with a score of 2-1. With the win,Lee gained his 43rd Superseries title and the duo holds two consecutive championships at the Open.
Lee added, "I am so happy to have won my last international badminton match."
During the 2016 Olympics held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Lee initially announced his retirement from the national team saying, "I want to give more opportunities to younger players."
He competed at the Victor Korea Open as his final match alongside Yoo whom he shares the No. 1 title since August 2014. Lee said, "Yoo has been my partner for three years and we've been ranked No. 1 in the world. I could rely on having him behind me when I played at the front court and in defense."
Although Lee is not required to join the mandatory military training for South Korean males because of his gold medal in the Beijing Olympics, he plans to undergo four weeks of basic military training in November.
"I will quit playing badminton whenever I lose my speed. For now, I think I will be able to play until I am 35," Lee ended.
