Malaysian badminton star Lee Chong Wei has pulled out of the 2018 Asian Games and the world championships because of a respiratory illness, officials said on Wednesday, after a gruelling schedule in recent months.
The world number two has been advised to rest and undergo treatment after competing in nine tournaments so far this year.
The week-long world championships in Nanjing, China, begin on Monday while the Asian Games in Indonesia are from August 18 to September 2.
Lee Chong Wei in action against Kento Momota of Japan during their single semi-final match at the Indonesia Open earlier in July. Photo: EPA
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“(Lee) is unwell and suffering from a respiratory related disorder,” the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) said in a statement.
“For the time being, he cannot undergo any intensive physical activity for a period of at least one month and therefore we have to withdraw Lee from his participation at the BWF World Championships ... and the Asian Games.”
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BAM did not give any further details about the three-time Olympic silver medallist’s illness.
