Chen Long, 32, led Fujian to win the badminton gold medal in the men's category at the Chinese National Games in Xi'an, northwest China's Shaanxi Province.

Chen also reached the men's singles semifinal, only losing to his national team teammate Shi Yuqi.

"We all made contributions to the victory at the team event," said Chen to Beijing-based Sohu Sports. "I and my teammates, coach and working staff are all so happy about it. As for the singles event, I already gave it everything I had."

"This is my last National Games, but definitely not my last match," answered Chen when asked about his future plan. "I still have other dreams and goals in badminton. The one, for now, is to attend the Asian Games next year in Hangzhou. If I can go, it will be the fourth Asian Games I participate in. I truly hope I can make more contributions to the Chinese badminton team."

Chen did not have much time to rest or prepare before the National Games because he had to go through a 21-day quarantine returning from the Tokyo Olympics in Japan. In addition, the intense competitions at the men's singles final in Tokyo also exhausted him. In the end, Chen had a silver medal losing to Viktor Axelsen.

Despite the loss, Chen did not feel too depressed. He and Axelsen saluted each other and exchanged shirts. "As athletes, when I appear in the Olympic final, of course, I'm hungry for victory and gold medal," said Chen. "But Axelsen performed better than I did in every way. I feel so peaceful after the last play. I have gone through enough to accept the fact that my opponent did better than me."

Chen was also glad that he was finally able to spend the Mid-Autumn Festival with his family. "I don't need to keep thinking about training and practice like new matches are coming soon," said Chen.