INTERVIEW WITH LEE CHONG WEI
‘Your prayers provide me with the strength’, says national icon
LEE Chong Wei, who is recovering from nose cancer, talks to sports blogger SS Dhaliwal in an exclusive interview.
Question: Can you share a little on your battle with nose cancer?
Answer: It came as a shock to me but it was fated and I have accepted it. No one expects things like this. When it was confirmed, I sought treatment and now we just have to see how it goes. But I feel optimistic and will adhere to doctors’ orders to overcome this.
Q: How do you feel right now and are you going to Taiwan for a follow-up?
A: I feel fine and I am resting, perhaps I needed this rest after all the years on the courts. There are no plans to go to Taiwan at the moment as reports are provided to my doctors there on a regular basis.
Q: When will you return to the court? A: It all depends on what the doctors say, but really not before next year, there is a possibility in February but then again it depends on my progress and response to the treatment.
Q: Only a limited number of people have visited you, why is this so?
A: My immune level is rather low, so there is a need to have precaution as I am susceptible to picking up infections. I know many want to visit me or for me to be seen in public but I do hope they understand why I am not able to make any public appearance.
Q: What are your thoughts on Wong Choong Hann being appointed as coaching director?
A: It is a wise and good move by the BAM (Badminton Association of Malaysia) to give a local the job as they could have easily hired a foreigner. But having said that, Choong Hann has a tough task ahead as it’s not easy, he alone cannot uplift our badminton standards.
He needs the cooperation of all the coaches in the national set-up and it is they who must decide their commitment and assistance to Choong Hann. It’s a collective effort and I hope the coaches will be honest and work together as one team. Only then, can we improve our international fortunes.
Q: Finally, your message to fans, media and the badminton fraternity.
A: I must thank all of you for your messages towards my well being as well as on my birthday. More importantly, thank you for being understanding.
As you all know I am a fighter on the court and please pray that I win this off court battle. Your prayers provide me with the strength.