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Thank you, Chong Wei!

Jun 13, 2019

Datuk Lee Chong Wei has officially anounced his retirement from competitive badminton, after 19 years with the BAM.

"It is with a heavy heart I make this decision, because I really love this sport. But it's more important for me to focus on my health."

The 37-year-old initially planned to bow out after next year's Olympics, but decided to call it quits early, after much discussion with his doctors, as well as the Youth and Sports Ministry and the BAM.

Chong Wei was advised to ease off in his athletic pursuits, in order to avoid a relapse of the nose cancer he was diagnosed with in September last year.

His last appearance at a major tounament was at the 2018 Indonesia Open.

When asked what his plans are now, Chong Wei had this to say...

"I'm going to take some much needed rest. I also owe my wife a honeymoon. It's been seven years overdue."

Youth and Sports Minister Syed Saddiq thanked Chong Wei, saying...

"Datuk Lee Chong Wei is a hero to all Malaysians. To find another figure, or idol such as him is going to be very difficult. Someone like him comes once in a lifetime. And Malaysians, including myself, are privileged to have someone like him."

Chong Wei's long-time on-court rival, Lin Dan also expressed his sadness on his Weibo account, saying he had lost a friend in the sport.

In the press conference this afternoon, Syed Saddiq also announced that Chong Wei will be the Chef De Mission for Malaysia's 2020 Olympics contingent.

Chong Wei retires from the game after a hugely successful career, that boasted 69 men's singles titles and three Olympic silver medals.

As a singles player, he was ranked World No. 1 for 199 consecutive weeks from August 2008 to June 2012.