"We as athletes have our own period. If the time has come and we feel that we can’t do it anymore in terms of strength, motivation and commitment, then sooner or later we have to make a decision. It's impossible for us to keep playing until we're 40, right?" Liliyana, who turned 31 this year, told The Jakarta Post in Jakarta on Monday.

(Read also: Liliyana Natsir, Indonesia’s badminton mixed doubles queen)

However, Liliyana said she was yet to make any decision regarding her future. "I haven't had a serious talk with my coach Owi, nor with my family, about the future," she said, adding that she still had time until her contract expires in January. "I still have time to think; to ensure that I am confident about continuing or not."

Liliyana, who has a small property business in Bekasi, also shared her thoughts on why young Indonesians should not be afraid of becoming a badminton athlete. "Don't be doubtful. Because through badminton, we can glorify the name of our families and Indonesia. And now, the welfare [of athletes] is very, very ensured," she said, noting that there was already a better pension system for athletes.

Regarding the Olympics, she was hopeful Indonesia will win another gold medal in the next Olympics. "Hopefully our gold tradition will continue in the 2020 Olympics."

After having a short break, Liliyana is slated to participate in the 2016 Denmark Super Series Premier with Tontowi Ahmad on Oct. 15. (kes)

(Read also: Let’s not take Olympic badminton gold for granted)

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