Lee Chong Wei aims for Tokyo Olympics despite cancer diagnosis as badminton star vows not to quit at press conference
- Former world No 1 wants to return to court when doctors give him green light
- The 36-year-old Malaysian hopes to compete at his fifth Olympics in 2020
Cancer-stricken Malaysian shuttler Lee Chong Wei has said he intends to compete at the Tokyo Olympics if doctors give him the green light, after making his first public appearance since revealing his diagnosis.
Speaking in front of a packed news conference in Kuala Lumpur on Thursday, the former world No 1 said he wants to continue playing at the highest level and that his love for the sport has not diminished despite being diagnosed with first-stage nasal cancer in the summer.
“I still want to go to Tokyo [for the Olympics]. Qualifying for my fifth Olympics will not be an issue,” said Lee, who appeared in high spirits after receiving treatment in Taiwan recently.
“I definitely don’t intend to retire yet. I still love badminton and that’s why I’m not ready to hang up my racquet yet,” he said, hinting that he might return to action next month.
A three-time Olympic silver medallist, Lee has yet to win a major after living in the shadow of arch nemesis Lin Dan for years.