Chong Wei pulls out from BWF World Championships, Asian Games

Lee Chong Wei will not participate in two upcoming major competitions due to poor health condition.

The competitions are the BWF World Championships from July 30 to August 5 in Nanjing, China, and the 2018 Jakarta-Palembang Asian Games set to be held from August 19 to 28 in Indonesia.

In a statement issued today. the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) said Lee had been advised by his doctor to take a rest and undergo treatment after suffering a respiratory-related disorder.

"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 him from the BWF World Championships and also the 2018 Asian Games in Indonesia,” the statement said.

In this regard, BAM asked the public and also the media to respect the privacy of him and his family during his recovery period.

"We pray for his speedy recovery and look forward to welcoming him back," the BAM added.

The former world number one shuttler had not joined the training with other shuttlers at the Academy Badminton Malaysia this week, raising doubt whether he was ready to take part in both tournaments.

For the record, Lee managed to win the silver medal thrice, namely in 2011,2013 and 2015, after securing the bronze medal in 2005 at the World Championships.

The three-time Olympic silver medalist also won the bronze medal at the Asian Games in 2006 and 2014, but his best achievement came in 2010 when he won the silver medal in the men’s singles event.