4 April, 2023
Jess Pugh has called time on her professional badminton career after over a decade playing as a part of the Badminton England set-up.
The 26-year-old has announced her retirement from the sport following a career that has taken her to two Commonwealth Games as well as some of the biggest tournaments across the globe.
Jess joined the Badminton England junior performance programme when she was just 12, progressing through to the elite world class senior programme where she remained throughout the entirety of her career.
She went on to win Commonwealth Games mixed team bronze at Gold Coast 2018, alongside 11 titles on the Badminton Europe circuit and seven English National Championship titles.
“Badminton has taught me resilience, discipline, hard work, mental toughness, determination, humility, persistence and most importantly an unwavering level of self-belief. I would not be me, without badminton,” she said.
“I want to thank every person who has helped get me to this point. Firstly, my parents & brother who have believed in me and been there all the way. Badminton England and UK Sport who have supported me from an 11-year-old girl to a 26-year-old woman.
“My first coach Eddy Sutton, my sponsors past and present FZ Forza and Yonex, England junior coaches, England senior coaches – who I have worked with at the National Centre for the past 10 years – and all the support staff over the years, all my teammates in MK and every other person who has helped me along the way.
“Because of you, I was able to live my dream playing badminton professionally at the highest level, travelling the world and experiencing things only a few have the chance to.
“Whilst it is with great sadness I leave this sport as a player, I am extremely excited for my next steps and what lies ahead for me in this beautiful life.”
In a personal note to Jess, Badminton England Performance Director Morten Frost said: “I am convinced Badminton has not lost a great ambassador, but instead someone who is moving on into a new phase in life, where badminton will still play a major role.
“I wish you all the best in your future endeavours. Thank you for your service to the sport and Badminton England.
“Take care and stay safe. Morten”
Though she is stepping away from the professional game, Jess will remain part of the wider badminton family and hopes to enter the world of coaching.
In particular, she is passionate about the chance to promote women in sport and get more young girls playing and enjoying the sport.
Badminton England would like to congratulate Jess on her career and wish her the very best for the future.
