Japan’s women’s doubles badminton bronze medalists, Chiharu Shida and Nami Matsuyama, have announced they will part ways following next month’s World Championships in Paris.
The 28-year-old Shida plans to team up with Arisa Igarashi, a two-time Olympic bronze medalist in mixed doubles, to form a new women’s doubles partnership. Meanwhile, 27-year-old Matsuyama is contemplating a transition to the mixed doubles category.
Speaking at a press conference held in Kumamoto Prefecture, southwestern Japan, the duo reflected on how their aspirations took different paths after winning bronze at the Paris Olympics last summer.
Shida expressed her strong desire to become “the best in the world,” whereas Matsuyama felt she had already reached her peak in women’s doubles.
“I gave it everything I had for the Olympics,” Matsuyama said. “I couldn’t see myself improving further, and I didn’t want to hold my partner back from pursuing greater goals.”
The pair will make their final appearance on home soil at the Japan Open, which kicks off on July 15, before heading to Paris for their farewell performance at the World Championships.
“I’ve spent more time with Matsuyama than with my own family,” Shida shared. “Since Paris holds a special place in our journey, I want to end this chapter by winning the world title there.”
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