Lee Chong Wei diagnosed with nose cancer as Malaysian badminton ace is dealt another cruel blow
The 35-year-old is seeking treatment in Taiwan as poor form and ill health forced him to skip the world championships in August and the Asian Games in Jakarta
Malaysian badminton great Lee Chong Wei is battling nose cancer but is responding well to treatment, according to the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) who broke its silence after weeks of speculation about his poor form and health on Saturday.
In yet another unbelievably sad chapter in the life of the greatest shuttler never to have won a major, the 35-year-old three-time Olympic silver medallist has been a hot discussion among Malaysians, who were shocked by the latest revelation on one of the game’s superstars.
“In response to recent reports concerning Lee Chong Wei, BAM confirms that the player has been diagnosed with early stage nose cancer,” said BAM president Sri Norza Zakaria, in a statement released on Facebook.
“Chong Wei is currently in Taiwan seeking treatment and I am pleased to inform you that he is responding well to his treatment and is currently resting and recuperating among family and close friends. On behalf of Chong Wei, I would like to thank all Malaysians for your prayers and concern. Your support has been his source of strength and courage.
“We urge everyone to respect his privacy and that of his family. BAM is in constant contact with Chong Wei and we will offer any support we can to our legend.”
News of his cancer scare was circulated online from late Friday night with his friend Hishamuddin Abd Majid saying the badminton legend was actually battling “third stage nose cancer”.
“At the age of 35 years old, so fit and rich but suddenly having problems in breathing. Life is unpredictable. Hope he can survive and fight it. All pray for you,” said Majid in his Facebook post.