BAM confirms Lee Chong Wei to withdraw from World Championships and Asian Games
The Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) issued an official statement at Tuesday evening that World No. 2 Lee Chong Wei has withdrawn from both the 2018 World Championships that will kick off next Monday in Nanjing China and also the Asian Games that scheduled to be held from 18 August to 2 September 2018 in the Indonesian cities of Jakarta and Palembang.
“BAM understands the concern surrounding the absence of Datuk Lee Chong Wei at the Akademi Badminton Malaysia (ABM) this past week.
We regret to announce that Datuk Lee 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 Datuk Lee from his participation at the BWF World Championships 2018 scheduled from 30 July to 5 August and the Asian Games 2018 scheduled from 19 to 28 August.
During this period of recovery, we ask the public and the media to respect the privacy of Datuk Lee and his family. We pray for his speedy recovery and look forward to welcoming him back at the ABM.”
The 36-year-old Lee Chong Wei defeated Japan’s Kento Momota in the final of the Malaysia Open to lift his unprecedented 12th title at the tournament last month and has successfully reached the Indonesian Open semi-finals before losing to Kento Momota.
Lee has never won the world title, despite being able to enter the World Championships final for four times, 2011, 2013, 2014, and 2015 (his 2014 silver medal was revoked due to a failed drug test).
