Chong Wei named as Chef de Mission to Tokyo OlympicsMost difficult decision to make’ – Chong Wei
Health takes priority now’ – Chong Wei
‘Thank You Malaysia’ – Chong Wei
He never failed to kiss the little Malaysian flag on the shirt after each success – a thing he did for nearly two decades but it is something that badminton fans throughout the world will miss seeing now.
Datuk Wira Lee Chong Wei, the badminton icon and the shuttle sport’s best-known ambassador brought his illustrious professional career that spanned over 19 years to an end when he announced his retirement during a press conference at Menara KBS in Putrajaya on Thursday (June 13).
Badminton, however, will remain etched in his heart for the rest of his life although the former World No 1 is disappointed that he has no Olympic gold or the world title to show. His best at the two majors were silver medals at the 2008 Olympics (Beijing), 2012 (London) and 2016 (Rio de Janeiro).
Chong Wei also landed silvers at world championships in London (2011), Gunagzhou (2013) and Jakarta in 2015.
After nearly two decades of donning national colors, the 36-year-old icon announced that it was a “painful decision” to quit his professional badminton career on medical grounds.
Doctors in Chinese Taipei, where he sought treatment for nose cancer, told Chong Wei “not to put too much pressure on himself” when he went for his latest follow-up review in April.
The Big C took its toll on him although he had big plans to make a comeback to competitive badminton and vie for a place in next year’s Tokyo Olympics and had resumed training but he knew what the doctors told him.
Chong Wei, who broke down several times at the press conference – which was also attended by Sports Minister Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman and his deputy Steven Sim and Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) president Datuk Seri Norza Zakaria – said:
“It took me one month to decide on my future in badminton as a career. I consulted my wife (former national player Datin Wong Mew Choo), my other family members, YB Syed Saddiq and Datuk Norza.
“It was a painful decision…but my health is more important. It does not mean I will totally sever my links with the sport I love most…it runs in my blood. Anytime my help is required I will be there. I can train and guide the younger players. I can be a sparring partner,” said Chong Wei.
“I thank the BAM (from coaches Datuk Misbun Sidek, Datuk Tey Seu Bok, Hendrawan and other staff, including the cleaners, who never failed to help me) for all the help. They all played a big role in shaping my badminton career. I cherish all that and they are not forgotten.
“Not forgetting my supporters who stood through thick and thin in my career. To them, I say a big thank you. Of course, I have not forgotten the media…I will miss them the most.
“My sincere thanks too to KBS, MSN, and ISN. They have been part and parcel of my career and were always there for me,” added Chong Wei, who had earlier wanted to retire after the Tokyo Olympics.
Chong Wei was diagnosed with nose cancer when he fell ill after playing in the Indonesia Open in Jakarta in July last year. He sought treatment in Chinese Taipei and was forced to withdraw from several big championships, including the World Championships (China) and the Asian Games in Indonesia in August.
The dreaded disease left Chong Wei physically drained and his earlier plans to make a “comeback” in the All-England fell through. He also skipped this year’s Malaysia Open for the same reasons and was not in the team for the Sudirman Cup this year.
Meanwhile, Syed Saddiq announced that to recognize the icon’s contribution to the nation, Chong Wei has been picked as the Chef-de-mission to the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
“Someone like him (Chong Wei) comes once in a lifetime and the fighting spirit of Chong Wei will keep burning in all (Malaysian) athletes, not only in badminton. He is a true fighter and a hero to all Malaysians,” said Syed Saddiq, adding “I grew up watching him on TV keeping Malaysia’s flag flying”.
Before winding up his press conference, Chong Wei was quick to remind that he owes his wife a long-awaited honeymoon to his wife although they got married in 2012 and have two sons.
“Thank You, Malaysia,” was his passing shots. – BY RIZAL ABDULLAH
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