Last Saturday (3rd February) marked an emotional yet remarkable day for former captain of Chinese women’s national volleyball team, Hui Ruoqi who announced her retirement after home club Jiangsu beating Shanghai in 5 sets, securing a place in the semifinals.
A grand farewell ceremony held after the match, was witnessed by full-house of hometown supporters including some of her former national team mates and club teamates. Star players including Zhu Ting and former captain Sun Yue have also recorded a video message abroad to extend their warm congratulatatory message to the Rio Olympic champion.
The 26 year-old player made a touching speech to thank a number of persons who have been playing pivotal role in her 18 years of career, especially head coach Jenny Lang.
“Thank you Jenny for giving me extensive opportunities and her trust. Not only is she attributed to my breakthrough technically on the court, but also I am always impressed and inspired by her strong character and tenacity, serving as a vivid female role model. ”
Looking ahead, she revealed that the retirement is just a begining of her chapter and she will continue to gear up her efforts to promote women’s volleyball develeopment through a foundation she set up previously.
Hui was on the China squad that finished runners-up to USA in the 2014 FIVB World Championship in Italy and also has a bronze medal from the 2011 FIVB World Cup in Japan. At club level she has a bronze with Guangdong Evergrande from the 2013 FIVB Club World Championship in Zurich. Two years ago, she captained China to their epic 3-2 win over Serbia in the Olympic final.
During her brilliant 18-year career, Hui underwent multiple surgeries, including on her heart, but she never ceases to thrill her millions of fans at home and across the world. We wish her all the best in her upcoming volleyball endeavors.
Photos: FIVB, 視覺中國（Chinese media)
