KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian badminton suffered a double blow on Tuesday, when BAM confirmed that Lee Chong Wei has withdrawn from next week’s World Championships in Nanjing, China, and next month’s Indonesia Asian Games.
In a press statement released by the national body, Chong Wei is said to be suffering from a respiratory-related disorder.
The 36-year-old has been advised by his doctor to undergo treatment, and will not be able to participate in any intensive physical activity for at least one month.
"We regret to announce that Datuk Lee (Chong Wei) has informed BAM that he is unwell and suffering from a respiratory-related disorder. His doctor has advised him to rest and undergo treatment.
"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 World Championships on July 30-Aug 5 and 2018 Asian Games on Aug 19-28.
"During this period of recovery, we ask the public and the media to respect the privacy of Chong Wei and his family. We pray for his speedy recovery and look forward to welcoming him back at the ABM (Academy Badminton Malaysia)," read the statement.
The news not only came as a shock to fans, but to Chong Wei himself, who was looking forward to his final Asian Games appearance.
On Monday, NSTP Sport reported that Chong Wei will likely miss the World Championships, when he did not show up for training for the whole of last week.