I want to hang up my boots after Olympics: Peter Gade

One of the most successful badminton players of all time with 16 Grand-Prix titles, world number four Peter Gade of Denmark is planning to quit the sport after this year's London Olympics.

The 35-year-old former world number one, who would be competing at this week's Yonex Sunrise India Open Super Series in New Delhi, said he wants to bid adieu to the game as his body is not as fit as it used to be.

The veteran Danish player, who topped the world rankings from 1998 to 2001, is also not too keen on living out of a suitcase given he has two young daughters to take care of back home in Copenhagen.

"I have to admit that I feel that this is the right time. I want to finish while I'm still in the top of the men's singles not when I'm on the way down," Gade told PTI in an e-mail interview.

"Secondly the past couple of years and also recently my body and mind is telling me that it's time to stop, most importantly I have two girls at home  and I want to spend some more time with them," added Gade, who is married to former handball player Camilla Hoeg.

He was the runner-up in last year's Indian Open and even though he has fond memories of that, Gade said he was not planning to come for this edition.

"Well, originally I didn't mean to go to India, but because of my problems with my right ankle lately, my schedule has been changed. Off course I look back at last year's tournament with good memories.

"At the moment I'm still in a phase of building up towards the Olympics and because of my injury I don't know where my game is at the Europeans and next week in Delhi," said Gade.

"But of course I hope for a good result and I'll do my utmost to get my game going. Regarding ranking points against Chen Jin, it is off second priority and I'll take that as a bonus," he added.

Gade has been leading the Danish challenge for many years but he is confident that the next generation of shuttlers are good enough to take over after he quits the game.

"At the moment it (future of Danish badminton) looks quite good with youngster Viktor Axelsen coming forward. He's very talented and I believe he's got the possibility of going all the way.

"Jan Jorgensen is a bit older but could be the one taking over after myself. We need more talents like Jan and Viktor, but I hope they can do it," he said.

Gade also feels India's Saina Nehwal has a good chance of winning the gold medal in Olympics.

"There's no doubt that she has a shot and that's the most important thing. If she prepares well and smart she could bring home a great result. I wish her the best of luck," he said.

Gade also elaborated on Yonex's contribution in his career and said: "Our corporation together through more than 18 years is exceptional. We've always had a mutual understanding and I cannot underestimate how important it is to have a stable sponsor in your back on and off court."