CHONG WEI’S ‘TRIPLE MISSION’

World No 2 eyes Commonwealth Games, Asian Games, Thomas Cup

HELMI TALKAH helmi.talkah@nstp.com.my

LEE Chong Wei has made it clear that the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games, Indonesia Asian Games and Thomas Cup are his three main priorities for next season.

The World No 2 said today he is keen on making an impact as it will be his final appearance at both the Commonwealth Games and Asiad.

"The Commonwealth and Asian Games are only held once every four years, so it is unlikely I will be able to compete again in those two tournaments," said Chong Wei, who will be 36 next year.

"These two tournaments are also very important in the eyes of the National Sports Council and the National Sports Institute. Even if you win 10 Super Series tournaments, it does not matter to the NSC and the NSI as these two competitions are more important to them.

"I have to give my best in these two tournaments." Chong Wei has won the men’s singles gold twice at the Commonwealth Games, in 2006 (Melbourne) and 2010 (New Delhi). He also helped Malaysia bag the team gold in both editions.

His best achievement at the Asian Games came in the 2010 (Guangzhou) edition where he won the men’s singles silver. He won the bronze in the singles and team event at the 2006 (Doha) and 2014 (Incheon) Games.

Chong Wei stressed that the Thomas Cup is also important to him. He will be competing with the national team at the Asian Championships in Alor Star in February. The competition will serve as a qualifier for the Thomas Cup.

"The Thomas Cup is also a priority for me as it is basically the World Cup of badminton.

"What is important for now is that we focus on qualifying for the finals,” said Chong Wei, who was part of the national team that finished runners-up to Japan in the 2014 Thomas Cup.

KEYWORDS: badminton, Chong Wei, Thomas Cup, Asian Games