Wheelchair badminton star Daniel Chan has wrapped up his illustrious career by collecting a silver medal for Hong Kong, China at the Paralympic Games in Paris.

The 39-year-old veteran insisted he was proud of his performance, despite not being at his best on the court.

The world number two came up short against Daiki Kajiwara, the top seed from Japan, losing 10-21, 10-21 in the men's singles WH2 final.

The result was still one step better than his bronze-medal finish in Tokyo three years ago.

Speaking after the match, a tearful Chan revealed lower back pain hampered his performance.

"Because I really put in a lot of effort. Before the competition, my waist was so painful that I couldn't even turn around. I had to ask the therapist for help, and take medications," he said.

"I want to compete like a 20-year-old, but I haven't been able to do that in recent years."

Chan stood by his decision to hang up his racquet, saying he wanted to have a good rest and recuperate from the "tormenting" chronic spasms.

There was heartbreak for fellow SAR shuttler Chu Man-kai, who missed out on a medal after losing to Brazil's Vitor Tavares 21-23, 21-16, 12-21 in the men's singles SH6 bronze medal match.