Sick Malaysian badminton star out of World Championships, Asian Games

Lee Chong Wei of Malaysia hits a return against Kento Momota of Japan during their men singles semi-final match at the Indonesia Open badminton tournament in Jakarta on July 7, 2018. / AFP PHOTO / BAY ISMOYO

Malaysian badminton star Lee Chong Wei has pulled out of the World Championships and Asian Games because of a respiratory illness, officials said Wednesday, after a gruelling schedule in recent months.

The world number two has been advised to rest and undergo treatment after competing in nine tournaments so far this year.

The week-long World Championships in Nanjing, China, begin on Monday while the Asian Games in Indonesia are from August 18 to September 2.

“(Lee) is unwell and suffering from a respiratory-related disorder,” the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) said in a statement.

“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 Lee from his participation at the BWF World Championships… and the Asian Games.”

BAM did not give any further details about the three-time Olympic silver medallist’s illness.

Speculation had been mounting over the past week about the 35-year-old’s health after he failed to show up for training.

The development is a blow for the former world number one, who has never won gold at either the World Championships or the Asian Games during a stellar 17-year career.

His achievements this year include winning the men’s singles gold at the Commonwealth Games and clinching his 12th Malaysian Open title.

BAM president Norza Zakaria said he had met Lee and supports his decision to rest.

“We do not want the pressure of competition to impose a toll on his health. We look forward to his return to competition, he told AFP.