Table tennis player Lin Ye retires due to a back injury

SINGAPORE His trophy cabinet is full of medals from the table tennis arena over the years, and as he hangs up his racket, Lin Ye said his heart is also full of memories and gratitude.

The Singapore Table Tennis Association (STTA) announced on Friday that the 27-year-old has called time on his playing career due to ongoing back injuries.

Lin said in the media: Today I close a chapter in my life, saying goodbye to the sport that has shaped me into the person I am today. Although my back injury has forced me to retire, I am full of gratitude for the incredible journey I have experienced as a national team player.

Since becoming a Singapore citizen in 2013, the Chinese-born player has collected six golds, two silvers and three bronzes at major Games.

Among her five SEA Games gold medals, one of her most notable came at the 2015 edition in Singapore, where Lin, partnered by Zhou Yihan, shocked her compatriots to win the women’s doubles title over Feng Tianwei and Yu Mengyu.

That same month, Lin and Zhou went on a fairytale run at the Japan Open, where they scalped China’s top doubles pair, Ding Ning and Liu Shiwen, in the semifinals. But the Singaporeans fell short in the final, losing to another Chinese pair, Wu Yang and Liu Fei.

Later that year, fourth-ranked Lin also won her second under-21 singles title at the World Tour Grand Finals in Lisbon, defeating Japan’s Yui Hamamoto.

At the 2019 SEA Games, she upset defending champion Feng to win the women’s singles gold after replacing Yu, who had to withdraw due to a back injury. Lin also competed in the women’s team event at the delayed 2020 Tokyo Olympics with Feng and Yu.

Calling it a privilege and an honor to represent Singapore on the international stage, Lin said: From the SEA Games to the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, I have experienced unforgettable moments that will forever hold a special place in my heart.

He also thanked Singaporeans for their support and encouragement throughout his career, adding: When I step away from the sport, I will carry with me lessons, friendships and memories that will guide me in the next chapter of my life… I will be forever grateful.