TT Grand Slam champ Li Xiaoxia announces retirement

Beijing, Jan 1: Chi's table tennis Grand Slam champion Li Xiaoxia announced her retirement ere on Sunday, capping an illustrious career that includes gold medal in each of the World Cup, World Championships, and Olympics.

"I have to say goodbye to you even though I feel it a pity to do so. Goodbye, my beloved table tennis. Goodbye, my prestigious Chinese team," the 28-year-old wrote on Si Weibo, Chinese equivalent of Twitter, adding she will continue to support the sport, reports Xinhua.

"How time flies! I started playing table tennis at 7 and it has been 22 years on the court. Table tennis means everything to me. Thanks to all of you for supporting and being with me. Hopefully you can support me as you always have," said Li, who turns 29 on January 16.

She helped Chi win the team gold medal at the Rio Olympic Games in 2016 when she also finished the runner-up in the singles event. IANS