PETALING JAYA: Malaysia’s badminton icon Lee Chong Wei has had enough of the hullabaloo over his future.
The 36-year-old three-time Olympic silver medallist is adamant that everyone, including the media, should give him room and time to give a pertinent and objective say on his future.
Chong Wei was diagnosed with nose cancer in July last year. After treatment in Taiwan, he returned to training in early January. His on-off short training stints were disrupted of late and he has not been seen on the badminton courts for six weeks. Naturally, speculations were rife on his imminent retirement.
“No, no. There’s no decision made yet,” said Chong Wei, when asked if he has made up his mind about calling it a day as reported in the media.
“Just because I’ve been absent from training, everyone is just making guesses.
“I’ve yet to discuss with the BAM about it (his intention to hang up his racquet). Before that meeting takes place, nothing is certain yet.
“If I’m indeed retiring or if there are other decisions, I’ll inform the press on my own. No one speaks on my behalf,” added Chong Wei, who has not played competitively for almost a year since July last year.
He initially wanted to return for the All-England in March and Malaysian Open in April – but the plans all came to nought.
Time is running out for him to make a comeback to international competitions as his one-year ranking protection privilege will expire on Aug 14.
Without the privilege, Chong Wei, now ranked No. 190 in the world, will not be eligible for the top-tier World Tour tournaments, which offer significant points for Olympic qualification.
Chong Wei is expected to meet Badminton Association Malaysia (BAM) president Datuk Seri Norza Zakaria and the coaches soon to discuss about his future.
Chong Wei has made it clear from the start that the Tokyo Olympics was the only reason why he deferred his retirement even after he was cleared from cancer in November.
Besides aiming to give it one last shot at a fourth medal and possibly winning his elusive gold, he’s also bidding to become the first national athlete to compete in five Olympics.
He currently shares the honours as four-time Olympian with diver Leong Mun Yee and ex-sailor Kevin Lim.
If there’s one thing that could stop Chong Wei from hanging up his racquet, it would probably be the SEA Games.
In his illustrious 19-year career, Chong Wei has not won an individual gold at the SEA Games. His best outing was a men’s singles bronze at the Manila Games in 2005.
The biennial Games will be held in the Philippines from Nov 30-Dec 11.
Related story:
