Don’t lose hope
Sudirman Cup team our future as I’ll retire soon, says Lee
Has Lee Chong Wei given up hope of ever stepping on the court to compete again? The fans’ guess is as good as their idol’s. The three-time Olympic silver medallist, who’s still waiting for the green light from his doctor, said: “I’ll retire soon but the Sudirman Cup team are our future, give them the time and the support.”
PETALING JAYA: Lee Chong Wei says the squad at the Sudirman Cup is Malaysia’s hope for the future.
The 36-year-old shuttler said the players just need more time before they can produce good results.
“I’ll retire soon but the Sudirman Cup team are our future, give them the time and the support,” said Chong Wei.
Malaysia are represented at the event in Nanning, China, by a relatively young side – Lee Zii Jia, Cheam June Wei, Soong Joo Ven (men’s singles), Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik, Ong Yew Sin-Teo Ee Yi, Nur Izzuddin Rumsani (men’s doubles), Goh Jin Wei, Soniia Cheah (women’s doubles), Chow Mei Kuan-Lee Meng Yean, Vivian Hoo-Yap Cheng Wen (women’s doubles), Goh Soon Huat-Shevon Lai Jemie, Tan Kian Meng-Lai Pei Jing, Chen Tang Jie (mixed doubles).
Asked whether he has given up hope of ever stepping onto the court again, he said: “No, I’ve not retired yet. But right now, I’m focusing on myself before badminton for the first time.
“My doctor has not given me the green light yet, so I’ll wait.”
Chong Wei has not played in any tournament since he was diagnosed with nose cancer in July last year.
The former world No. 1’s world ranking has plummeted to 110th.
“I know time is not on my side as the 2020 Olympic Games qualifying period has started – but I don’t want to put undue pressure on my body.
“We’ll see how it goes,” said Chong Wei, who’s still hoping the Tokyo Games will be his swansong.
It’s the first time that Chong Wei has missed the Sudirman Cup since 2005. The three-time Olympic silver medallist also did not qualify for this year’s World Championships in Basel, Switzerland.
“I do miss these tournaments, it’s sad. I’ve been playing for the last 19 years but it’s time for the next generation of players to step up,” he said.
Chong Wei also hopes that the players don’t blame one another when things go wrong.
“That’s one thing that I’ve learnt over the years in a team event. I’ve been the captain in the Sudirman Cup and Thomas Cup.
“A team is like a family, we’ve to support one another in good and bad times. I hope this team will stick together no matter what,” said Chong Wei.
Chong Wei also hoped that his successors would make full use of the opportunities given to them by the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) and the government.
“I wish I can turn back time. If only, we had all the facilities we have now 10 years ago ... it’ll be different,” he said.
“The players are a fortunate lot because they have a fully-equipped training centre (Academy Badminton Malaysia) that has it all.
“Those days players who used to stay in Taman Maluri lacked the facilities. Those in Bukit Jalil had to travel to the training centre.
“Everything is better now and I do hope our players will take advantage of it.”