Singapore badminton player Jessica Tan retires at 31

SINGAPORE: After over a decade in competitive badminton, one of Singapore’s most decorated players Jessica Tan announced her retirement on Friday (Apr 11), citing multiple injuries and the decision to pursue studies in sport management. 

“After dedicating so many years of my life to the sport of badminton, there is an inevitably bittersweet feeling stepping away from these exhilarating competitions,” said Tan, 31. 

“But one never really retires from badminton; it will always be a part of my life. I’m excited about going back to school again, and I’m grateful to the Singapore Badminton Association, Sport Singapore and sponsors for their generous support throughout my career,” she added. 

Tan joined the national team at 18.

She most notably competed with her husband and mixed doubles player Terry Hee. In 2022, the couple won Singapore’s first gold medal in the mixed doubles event at the Commonwealth Games.

They went on to compete in the 2024 Paris Olympics and finished third out of four teams in their group. Tan also has five Southeast Asian Games bronze medals.

During her career, Tan suffered multiple injuries, including a torn meniscus in her left knee in 2021 that required surgery.

Tan will receive the highest payout of S$100,000 (US$75,000) from the Singapore Badminton Association’s (SBA) post-career gratuity programme.

Established in 2023, the programme aims to provide athletes with financial security after retirement. The payout ranges from S$16,000 to S$100,000, depending on the athlete's highest world ranking and the amount of time that they represented Singapore. 

Tan has her sights set on sports management undergraduate programmes in the United Kingdom. In 2011, she withdrew from the sports science and management