Cancer-hit Lee eyes return, Oly

Kuala Lumpur, Dec 6

Former world No. 1 Lee Chong Wei could return to the badminton court within a fortnight after fighting back from nose cancer, an official said on Thursday. The three-time Olympics silver medallist, who has spent nearly five months on the sidelines, is already doing light fitness work after receiving a clean bill of health from doctors.  “He sounded cheerful,” said Norza Zakaria, president of the Badminton Association of Malaysia, after speaking to Lee on the phone. 

“Yes I think so,” he added, when asked to confirm reports that Lee would resume training in two weeks. “I'm sure he will be ready by the time the Olympics qualifying period commences on May 1.” 

Lee, down to 15th spot in the Badminton World Federation rankings, last played competitively at the Indonesian Open in July. Last month, Lee, 36, insisted he was not going to hang up his racquet. “I want to come back to court,” he told a press conference, adding: “As of now, I am not retiring.”  

Lee also said he was targeting a competitive comeback at the All England Open in March, and was still eying an elusive Olympics gold at the 2020 Tokyo Games. Lee's unsuccessful attempts to capture Malaysia's first ever Olympics gold medal at three consecutive Summer Games were followed avidly back home, as was his long-running rivalry with Chinese superstar Lin Dan. — PTI