That’s it, folks: Yuki Fukushima (left) and Sayaka Hirota are ending their partnership after 12 years
PETALING JAYA: Japanese women’s doubles shuttlers Yuki Fukushima-Sayaka Hirota are set to end their partnership after 12 years.
The 30-year-old Hirota has been struggling to return to full fitness after an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury and has decided to part ways with Fukushima, 31.
The pair’s last competitive outing was in the Asian Championships in Ningbo, China, in April where they suffered a first-round exit.
Hirota posted a heartfelt message in her social media page, thanking her partner for supporting her through thick and thin.
“Looking back on the past 12 years, I have so many memories. I learned a lot during this time through different experiences that helped me grow a lot,” said Hirota.
“I went through frustrations and sometimes it hurts but other times it was enjoyable. I’m so happy.
“It was with Fukushima that I shared all kinds of experiences. I can’t thank her enough.
“It’s often tough but with the support of many people, I can overcome the challenges one by one and live a happy badminton life,” added Hirota.
Fukushima-Hirota were one of Japan’s best pairs and reached No. 1 in the world rankings in 2018 before dropping to sixth.
The duo reached three consecutive World Championships finals from 2017-2019 but were unfortunate to settle for silver each time.
Fukushima-Hirota captured gold in the Asian Championships twice in 2018 and 2023, and won bronze in the Asian Games in 2018 in Jakarta and last year in Hangzhou.
The pair also won 12 World Tour and Superseries titles combined, including the prestigious All-England crown in 2020.
Fukushima-Hirota also played an important role in Japan’s triumph in the Uber Cup Finals in 2018 in Bangkok.
