Li Yongbo, Chinese national badminton coach since last 24 years with leading his team to gold medal victory at six Olympic games, will step down from this position on Wednesday.
Fans have been calling for Li’s retirement since China’s subpar performance at the 2016 Rio Olympics, where they won only 2 gold medals, the lowest number since 2000.
He is expected to be reassigned along with some other coaching staff to an advisory panel with the Chinese Olympic Committee.
During his 24-year tenure as head coach, Li let China to secure its position as the sport’s most successful country, winning 18 Olympic gold medals as well as numerous international tournaments.
