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 oneLee 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)
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