KUALA LUMPUR: Sports Minister Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman hinted earlier of Lee Chong Wei's imminent retirement. But nobody expected it to be so soon.
Just 24 hours after Syed Saddiq commented on Chong Wei, the BA of Malaysia (BAM) called for a “special press conference” by the 37-year-old at the sports ministry, today.
In attendance will be Chong Wei, BAM president Datuk Seri Norza Zakaria and Syed Saddiq.
Syed Saddiq, when met at KLIA on Tuesday (before the arrival of world champion para archer, S.Suresh), said: “I have met Chong Wei but please be patient and give him some space to think of his future.
“Let us not forget his contribution to the country.”
And when probed further, the minister smiled and added: “You will know more when the time is right.”
The time definitely looks right for Chong Wei to finally hang up his racquet, after his monumental contribution to the country over the last two decades.
Apart from being a three-time Olympic silver medallist (2008, 2012, 2016) and three-time World Championships silver medallist (2011, 2013, 2015), Chong Wei is the only men's singles to have won 46 Super Series from 2007-2018, earning him the title Super Series King.
Last week, reports had it that Chong Wei will be making a major announcement soon, and it was highly linked to his retirement.
The Penang-born has not played in a single tournament for nearly a year, after he was diagnosed with nose cancer last July.
After seeking treatment in Taiwan for several months, Chong Wei was said to be cancer free, and in January, he began training thrice a week at the Academy Badminton Malaysia in Bukit Kiara.
However, since April, Chong Wei went on an indefinite break after his doctor advised him against putting his body under undue stress, which could cause a relapse.
When contacted, Chong Wei said he will meet BAM officials and the National Sports Council before making any comments.
Chong Wei's last appearance on court was in the semi-final of the Indonesia Open last July, where he lost to eventual champion, Kento Momota. A week earlier, he saw off the Japanese ace to claim a record 12th Malaysia Open crown at the Axiata Arena.