TAIPEI (TVBS News) — President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) praised badminton star Tai Tzu-ying (戴資穎) for her valiant effort in her final match at the Olympics Games Paris 2024 on Wednesday (July 31) evening. Despite a six-point loss that ended her Olympic journey, the event resonated with fans both in the stadium and back in Taiwan.
Starting at 8:50 p.m. on Wednesday, Tai competed in the women's singles preliminary round against Thailand's Ratchanok Intanon. Battling through an injury, Tai ultimately fell short of advancing. President Lai acknowledged her spirit, stating in a Facebook post, "Thank you, Tai Tzu-ying. You've worked hard."
The "Taiwan badminton queen" concluded her Olympic career in the round of 16, leaving a lasting impression. Many Taiwanese social media users joined President Lai in expressing gratitude for her relentless spirit, highlighting how she fought until the very end.
In 2017, Tai chose to compete in the Taipei Universiade over the BWF World Championships, sacrificing ranking points to secure a gold medal for Taiwan. Following her defeat on Wednesday, many remembered her dedication, calling her "Taiwan's forever queen of badminton."
Since ascending to the world No. 1 spot in late 2016, Tai has set numerous records for Taiwanese badminton. Her final Olympic performance touched countless hearts. Looking ahead, the nation awaits Tai's next moves, celebrating her legacy as an enduring symbol of perseverance and national pride.