Badminton Star Lee Chong Wei Retires Post Cancer Battle

The former world number one announced his retirement post his battle with nose cancer.

Malaysian badminton player Lee Chong Wei, center, cries during a press conference in Putrajaya, Malaysia, Thursday, 13 June, 2019.

(Photo: AP)

Former world number one, Lee Chong Wei has announced his retirement from badminton on Thursday, 13 June, in Putrajaya, Malaysia, after 19 years following a battle with cancer.

My decision to retire is a heavy one

Lee Chong Wei

“I really love this sport. But it is a demanding sport. I thank all Malaysians for the past 19 years," a teary-eyed Lee, 36, told a news conference.

The three-time Olympic silver medalist, hailed as a sporting hero in Malaysia, says it was a tough decision as he had planned to quit after the Tokyo Olympics next year but that he had no choice.

Indian badminton star Sania Nehwal posted a tribute on twitter and wished him luck for his future.

Health Issues From Lee’s Cancer Forced Him to Retire

Lee, 36, said on Thursday in the press conference that a recent consultation with doctors in Japan showed he wasn't fit for high-intensity training. He broke down momentarily during a news conference.

He became one of Malaysia's richest athletes after an illustrious career that included the Olympic medals and 69 world titles that has made him a much-loved sporting icon. He was diagnosed with nose cancer last year but recovered after intensive treatment.

Lee was a father of two and was diagnosed with early-stage nose cancer last year and after intensive treatment in Taiwan, said he was keen to play again.

But he hasn't trained since April and after missing a series of self-imposed deadlines to return to competition, his hopes of being eligible for next year's Tokyo Olympics were remote.

The three-time Olympic silver medallist said he would now like to rest and spend time with his family, and even take his wife on a "honeymoon", a trip that has been delayed since their marriage in 2012.

(With inputs from AP News and PTI)