Axelsen – steadfast soldier who will never give up fighting

IT was 2013. And a young upstart of a shuttler was hosting the media at his house in Odense, Denmark.

Viktor Axelsen was only 19 then – but already a world junior champion – and had just picked up Mandarin.

The lanky youngster spoke with striking confidence about his ambitions, even entertaining the Chinese media with his impressive grasp of the language.

He later walked us to the home of fairy-tale writer Hans Christian Andersen, proudly sharing stories of his town’s rich heritage.

Andersen may have written classic fairy tales like the Little Mermaid and the Steadfast Tin Soldier – but Axelsen has lived his own fairy tale in badminton, making a splash that even a mermaid would be proud of.

That’s why the news of the 32-year-old retiring last week came as a big shock. Many had not expected it; he was still good for a title or two.

He had come from being a confident yet humble teenager, and risen to conquer the world, winning virtually every major title on the circuit – two Olympic golds, two world titles, two All-England crowns, a Thomas Cup, and four European Cham-pionships.

Add to that more than 30 Open titles and a remarkable 183 weeks as world No. 1.

Yet beyond the glittering accolades, Axelsen will be remembered for something deeper – his passion for the sport, his humility, and his willingness to be a voice for the game.

When he signed his book The Mind of a Champion for this writer in 2024 in Odense, he made a surprising admission: he was still not satisfied.

“Since I was young, I set extremely high standards for myself. Every decision I made was about becoming the best athlete I could be,” said Axelsen.

Despite his staggering success, he believed he could have achieved even more.

Injuries, from foot to back, he felt, had curtailed what might have been an even greater career.

Yet, there was a time when he seemed unbeatable.

He took over as the sport’s standard-bearer when legends like his teammate Peter Gade, Lin Dan of China, Taufik Hidayat of Indonesia, Kento Momota of Japan and Lee Chong Wei of Malaysia faded from the spotlight.

The Dane always showed immense respect to his rivals, especially when competing in their home arenas, but he would still beat them all on court.

His ruthless pursuit of points could make him an intimidating opponent; off it, he was gracious, thoughtful and generous with his time.

He was also one of the sport’s most articulate voices.

His post-match reflections were often insightful, measured and refreshingly honest.

No matter how tired he was, Axelsen made time – for the media, for fans, for the game.

And when it mattered, he spoke up.

He did not shy away from challenging the Badminton World Federation on issues affecting players – from gruelling schedules to tournament structures.

Many of the changes expected to be announced during the Thomas Cup Finals in Horsens this month trace back, in part, to concerns he consistently raised.

This year’s Thomas Cup (from April 24-May 3) will feel different without Axelsen in Denmark’s line-up.

Still, one should not be surprised to see him courtside, cheering on his teammates.

His absence will be keenly felt, particularly in Europe.

While players like Anders Antonsen of Denmark, Alex Lanier and the Popov brothers from France are emerging, none have yet to match Axelsen’s consistency, charisma or commanding presence against Asia’s finest.

Axelsen said the sport had shaped him.

“Badminton has taught me lessons beyond sport – about discipline, sacrifice, resilience, and who I am as a person.”

For Malaysia, there is perhaps a lesson here too.

Axelsen stood tall through both praise and criticism, embracing his role as an ambassador for the sport.

It is something our players can aspire to, rather than retreating into the background.

If Axelsen’s journey has shown anything, it is this – he is unlikely to fade away quietly.

In whatever role he returns, expect him to keep shaping the sport and writing new chapters in badminton’s story.