Former World No 1 Datuk Lee Chong Wei announced his retirement from badminton.

Lim Jin Shuen
May 17, 2021
2 min read

Image: http://bam.org.my/gallery/datuk-lee-chong-weis-special-press-conference

Datuk Lee Chong Wei announced his retirement after almost a year since he was diagnosed with nose cancer and failed to return to competition.

This ended his 19-year-long international badminton career. The retirement came under his doctor's advice to avoid high-intensity training to avoid a relapse of his cancer.

“I made this decision following discussions with my wife, Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) and Sports Minister Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman recently.”

“It is a tough decision, but I was left with no option after my recent visit to my doctors in Japan last month.”

“I was given eight questionnaires to answer about my condition and the outcome came out to show that I am not fit to do high intensity activities, so it is not suitable for me to exert myself and sacrifice my health.”

“Thank you to all Malaysians. I also want to thank the Sports Ministry, BAM and my coaches Misbun Sidek and Tey Seu Bock along with other concerned parties for their help throughout the years.”

“I will miss the media who have been following my career for almost two decades.”

“This is my final press conference,” added Chong Wei, who has been appointed Chef-de-mission for Tokyo Olympics.

Image: http://bam.org.my/gallery/datuk-lee-chong-weis-special-press-conference

Words from Yang Berhormat Syed Saddiq bin Syed Abdul Rahman

“Datuk Lee Chong Wei is a hero to all Malaysian from all background, all ethnicity, and all religion, all will join hearts to give encouragement when we see Datuk Lee Chong Wei representing Malaysia in an international platform.”

“While he retires, the fighting spirit of Datuk Lee Chong Wei will burn in the hearts and minds of all athletes in Malaysia, not just in badminton, but all athletes.”

“From the ministry’s side, no matter what path he chooses to take after this, we will give our full support to Datuk Lee.”

Syed Sadiq ended his speech with a statement, “you are my hero, the Malaysians’ hero.”

Words from Tan Sri Dato' Sri Mohamad Norza Zakaria

“Very sadly, as a Malaysian, I will no longer have a legend who is always ever dependable and one who not only himself wears, but also inspires others to wear the Jalur Gemilang with such pride and honour,” said Dato Seri Norza with a mixed feeling.

“A national hero, whose many achievements particularly at the Olympics, has united this nation like no other one can.”

“Even when success loaded him, he showed to us the true spirit of a Malaysian, he fought till the end, giving his blood, sweat and tears to the nation.”

“Despite all his successes and riches, he remains ever so humble, respectful, and above all, still the same hunger for success as the day he just started.”