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Jonathan White

Badminton legend Lee Chong Wei has announced his retirement to the media at an emotional press conference in Kuala Lumpur on Thursday.
His health was the reason for retiring, he said, and he took the decision after discussing it with his wife, Wong Mew Choo, also a former badminton player, the Badminton Association of Malaysia and sports minister Syed Saddiq.
“My health is more important,” said a teary Lee of the difficult decision to move his retirement up from its planned date after next summer’s Tokyo Olympics.
Lee was hailed as a national hero by Saddiq, who thanked him for his contribution to Malaysian sport.

Datuk @LeeChongWei had actually planned to retire after the 2020 #TokyoOlympics, but after discussion with his doctors, the Youth and Sports Ministry and BAM, he moved his retirement earlier, for the sake of his health. pic.twitter.com/6kMriUCEEf
— Astro Radio News (@AstroRadioNews) June 13, 2019

The Malaysian had to stop several times to wipe away tears as he called time on a 19-year career that saw him spend 199 consecutive weeks at the top of the BWF rankings and win 69 titles.
Lee also finished runner-up at another 34 events with a competitive record of 715 wins and 139 losses. He won three Olympic silver medals and three silvers at the World Championships. Lee also won five Commonwealth Games golds for Malaysia, including one in India last year.

Malaysia ace shuttler @LeeChongWei formally announces his retirement after 19 years in the arena . pic.twitter.com/yst96hwbwK
— Melissa Goh (@MelGohCNA) 13 June 2019

The news had been expected, having been reported in Malaysia media last week. It also follows on from Lee’s battle with nose cancer last year, which kept him out of the World Championships. His last tournament victory was the Malaysian Open last year, winning his 12th title in 14 attempts.
Last week it was reported that “no decision” had been made on retirement, while Saddiq was quoted as asking people to stop speculating on the shuttler’s future.

It’s time . An emotional @LeeChongWei formally announces his retirement after 19 year career as top Malaysian shuttler . Hailed as national hero by youth and sports minister @SyedSaddiq pic.twitter.com/LSRyvM1Ch9
— Melissa Goh (@MelGohCNA) June 13, 2019

Lee had kind words for his long time rival, Lin Dan of China.
The 36-year-old wished Lin all the best and said he hoped he can reach his fifth Olympics in Tokyo next year, although it will be very tough as only two players from one nation can go and China have many quality players such as Chen Long and Shi Yuqi.
Malaysians hail Lee Chong Wei’s ‘cute and meaningful’ Ramadan post
Lee’s battle with Lin saw the pair compete for Olympic gold at Beijing 2008 and London 2012, as well as for the 2013 and 2011 World Championships. Lin won all of those meetings, just as he did at the 2010 Asian Games in Guangzhou.
In Lee’s other Olympic final in Rio in 2016 it was China’s Chen Long who kept him from gold, just as he did at the 2015 and 2014 World Championships.
However, Lee said that one of his toughest moments was when he was banned from badminton for eight months after a doping violation.

BREAKING: Lee Chong Wei has officially retired from competitive badminton.
We wish you all the best for your future! pic.twitter.com/sws7UirksU
— Badminton Talk (@BadmintonTalk) June 13, 2019

The BWF panel was convinced there was no intent to cheat but the ban also saw him stripped of the 2014 World Championship silver medal. He returned to the court in May 2015 and won back to back titles at the US and Canada opens.
Lee will be at the Olympics in Tokyo next summer as the chef de mission for the Malaysian delegation, Saddiq announced. Before that Lee announced that his plan was to take his wife on holiday.


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Badminton World Federation (BWF)

Legend Lee Chong Wei retires after 19 years at top of world badminton

Lee Chong-wei announces his retirement. Photo: Facebook

Sport

Other Sport

Shuttler hailed by youth and sport minister Syed Saddiq after health concerns end career earlier than planned
Former world No 1 calls time after winning 69 titles and 715 career wins, including silver medals at three Olympic games


Malaysian shuttler hailed as national hero by youth and sport minister Syed Saddiq after health concerns end career.
