jessica Tan Retires: Badminton Champion Ends Competitive Career, returns to Academics
SINGAPORE – Jessica Tan, a decorated badminton player and Commonwealth Games gold medalist, has announced her retirement from competitive badminton. Citing multiple injuries, Tan will resume her sports management studies and receive a S$100,000 payout from the Singapore Badminton Association’s (SBA) post-career gratuity program.
Injuries Prompt Retirement, Academic Pursuits Resume
tan’s decision comes after a career marked by both triumph and physical setbacks. A torn meniscus in her left knee in 2021, requiring surgery, was among several injuries that ultimately influenced her decision to step away from professional competition. She had previously deferred her undergraduate studies in the BSc (Sport Science & Management) program at Nanyang Technological University in 2011 to pursue her badminton career full-time.
Commonwealth games Glory: A Career Highlight
The pinnacle of Tan’s career arrived at the 2022 Commonwealth Games, where she and her husband, Terry Hee, secured a historic gold medal in the mixed doubles event, defeating England’s Marcus Ellis and Lauren Smith 21-16, 21-15. This victory marked Singapore’s first-ever gold in that category.
Gratitude and Future plans
“After dedicating so manny years of my life to the sport of badminton, there is an inevitably bittersweet feeling stepping away from these exhilarating competitions,” said the 31-year-old Tan. “But one never really retires from badminton; it will always be a part of my life. I’m excited about going back to school again, and I’m grateful to SBA, sportsg, and sponsors for their generous support throughout my career.”
SBA’s Post-Career Gratuity Program
Established in 2023, the SBA’s post-career gratuity program provides financial support to singapore’s national badminton players upon retirement. Payouts range from S$16,000 to S$100,000, based on an athlete’s highest world ranking and length of service representing Singapore. Tan will receive the maximum payout.
lawrence Leow, SBA’s president, expressed his gratitude for Tan’s contributions: “Jessica and Terry have done Singapore proud, and they have certainly inspired more young boys and girls to play badminton. jessica had to overcome important personal adversity to qualify for the Olympics, and SBA would like to thank Jessica for her sacrifices and hard work for over a decade. SBA is firmly behind her in the next phase of her sporting career.”
A Decade of Dedication
Tan represented singapore for over a decade, joining the national team at age 18. She secured her first senior title at the 2014 singapore International tournament in mixed doubles, also with Terry Hee.
Singaporean Badminton Star Jessica Tan Transitions from court to Classroom and Coaching
Singaporean badminton player Jessica Tan is embarking on a new chapter, stepping away from competitive play to pursue academic studies and contribute to the sport through coaching and administrative roles.
Olympic Veteran Shifts Focus to Education and Badminton Progress
Tan, who represented singapore at the Olympic Games in Paris with her mixed doubles partner Terry Hee, will be leveraging her experience to assist in pathway program planning and business development with the Singapore Badminton Association (SBA). She will also be assisting national team doubles head coach Paulus Firman with coaching duties.
A Look Back at Tan’s Badminton Career
Tan’s career highlights include a strong showing at the Malaysia open in January, where she and Hee reached the semi-finals. In 2023, the pair secured first place finishes at both the Guwahati Masters and Irish Open. They also were runners-up at the Odisha Masters and Abu Dhabi Masters, showcasing their consistent performance on the international stage.
At the Paris Olympics, Tan and Hee secured a win against the USA’s Vinson Chiu and Jennie Gai but faced defeats against formidable opponents from China and Malaysia.
New Mixed Doubles Partnership for Terry Hee
The SBA announced in November of last year that Terry Hee would partner with Jin Yujia in mixed doubles. A month later, Hee and Jin Yujia won the silver medal at the Odisha Masters.
Tan’s last competitive tournaments were last September in the Korea Open, hong Kong Open, and Macau open.
Personal Challenges and Future Aspirations
Tan acknowledged the personal challenges she faced, including the passing of her mother in 2023. She expressed gratitude for the support of her husband and mixed doubles partner,Terry Hee,as he continues his Olympic journey with his new partner. Tan, along with Hee, were the first mixed doubles team from Singapore to qualify for the Olympics.
Jessica Tan Secures Olympic Badminton Berth, Inspires Future athletes
Singaporean badminton player Jessica Tan has qualified for the upcoming Olympic Games, marking a significant milestone in her career and inspiring aspiring athletes in her home country.
Overcoming Obstacles: Tan’s Journey to the Olympics
Tan’s journey to the Olympics has been characterized by grit and determination. Details surrounding the specific challenges she faced were not provided.
Coach Hails Tan as Inspiration
Doubles head coach Firman praised Tan’s resilience and expressed hope that her achievement will encourage young athletes to pursue badminton. “Jessica has shown grit and determination in the face of adversity. I hope she will be an inspiration to the young athletes who are considering badminton as a career,” Firman stated.
Badminton in Singapore: A Growing Sport
Tan’s Olympic qualification is expected to further boost the popularity of badminton in Singapore, providing a role model for the next generation of players.
What challenges did Jessica Tan face leading up to her decision to retire?
jessica Tan: From Badminton Champion to Academic Pursuits – Your Questions Answered
Get the scoop on Jessica Tan’s retirement and what’s next for this Singaporean badminton star.
Q&A
Who is Jessica Tan?
Jessica Tan is a decorated Singaporean badminton player. She is a Commonwealth Games gold medalist and represented singapore at the Olympics.
Why is Jessica Tan retiring?
Tan is retiring due to multiple injuries, including a torn meniscus in her knee.This prompted her to step away from professional competition.
What are her career highlights?
A major highlight was winning a gold medal in mixed doubles at the 2022 Commonwealth Games with her husband, Terry Hee, marking Singapore’s first gold in that category. She also represented singapore at the Olympics.
What will Jessica Tan do after retirement?
tan will return to her studies in sports management at Nanyang Technological University (NTU).She will also contribute to badminton in Singapore through coaching and pathway program planning. She will also be assisting national team doubles head coach Paulus Firman with coaching duties.
What is the SBA’s post-career gratuity program?
it’s a program by the Singapore Badminton Association that provides financial support to retiring national badminton players. Tan will receive the maximum payout of S$100,000.
What about Terry Hee, her husband and doubles partner?
Terry Hee will continue his badminton career. He is now partnered with jin Yujia in mixed doubles and will continue his Olympic journey. He is preparing for the Olympics.
When did Jessica Tan Retire?
Tan’s last competitive tournaments were last September in the Korea Open, Hong Kong Open, and Macau open. She has transitioned to her academics and coaching role.
Jessica Tan’s story is a testament to the dedication and resilience required to excel in sports. Her transition to academics and coaching shows her continued commitment to badminton.
