Chinese badminton sensation Lin Dan has announced his retirement from the sport on Saturday (July 4), bringing an end to his 20-year long star-studded career.

The two-time Olympic badminton champion, who also bagged gold at Beijing in 2008 and the 2012 London Games, will not be participating in the Tokyo Olympics which has been postponed to 2021 amid global coronavirus pandemic.

"From 2000 to 2020, after 20 years, I have to say goodbye to the national team. It is very difficult to speak it out," Xinhua news agency quoted Lin Dan as saying on Weibo, China's twitter-like social media.

Lee Chong Wei, former Malaysian star shuttler, lauded Lin Dan for his marvellous career.

"We knew this day would arrive, Heavy moment of our lives; You pulled down the curtain gracefully, You were king where we fought so proudly; Your final wave all four disappear, Within the hush of silent tear," Lee Chong Wei tweeted.

As per the Chinese Badminton Association, Lin Dan officially submitted a formal retirement application few days go.

While looking into the matters of his personal preference and the current global situation, the Chinese badminton national team permitted to his retirement wish, Xinhua news agency reported.