The two-time Team GB Olympian and nine-time national champion has taken the decision to end his international career in Basel – in the week of his 33rd birthday - exactly 10 years after winning his first world circuit title, outside of Europe, at the 2009 Canadian International.

 

Ouseph broke onto the scene as a 19 year old when he became the first Englishman in 20 years to win gold at the 2005 European Junior Championships and he has since risen to a career high 10th in the world rankings.

In the 14 years since, Ouseph has establish himself as a longstanding European force on badminton’s world tour; winning 12 international titles and 12 team competition medals whilst collecting 97 England caps, and more latterly, captaining his nation.

The winner of five European Championship and two Commonwealth Games individual medals, his finest hour came in 2017 when he was crowned European Champion; the first Englishman to win singles gold in 27 years – and only the third in history.

That career defining moment came six months after reaching the Olympic Games quarter finals – another history-making milestone in which he became the first British man to reach the last eight of an Olympic badminton men’s singles competition.

His roll of honour on the international scene are matched only by his achievements on the domestic circuit where he stands proud as the inspirational figurehead for an era of aspiring singles players.

A nine time national champion, Ouseph has been England’s undisputed number one in men’s singles since 2008 and holds the record for being the only player in the 55 year history of the ‘Nationals’ to win the men’s singles title for seven back to back years.

“It has been a tough decision deciding to retire but I feel after the World Championships in August is the right time,” Ouseph said.

“As a singles player, the stand out highlight of my career has been winning European Championships gold in 2017 but I have also loved every minute of representing my country in multi-sport games and team events over the years.

“I have been very lucky to have done it as many times as I have and to have captained England in some major team events is something I am particularly proud of.

“I am excited to see what the future will hold for myself and English badminton but I am now also extremely excited to be able to spend more quality time with my young family.

 

Ouseph announces his retirement as reigning English national champion, ranked 36th in the world with 374 career wins on the world circuit to his name.

Well played Raj.

 

#RajRetirement