Malaysian badminton star 'has nose cancer'

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Lee Chong Wei, Malaysia's legendary badminton player, has been diagnosed with nose cancer, the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) confirmed on Saturday.

"In response to recent reports concerning Datuk Lee Chong Wei, BAM confirms that the player has been diagnosed with early-stage nose cancer," Seri Norza Zakaria, president of BAM, said in a statement.

The Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) statement confirming Lee's condition. /Screenshot from BAM's official website

According to Norza, Lee is receiving treatment in China's Taiwan region and is "responding well."

"On behalf of Chong Wei, I would like to thank all Malaysians for your prayers and concern. Your support has been his source of strength and courage," the BAM chief said.

The BAM chief also urged the public to respect the privacy of Lee and his family and assured fans that the association is in "constant contact" with Lee and will offer any support they can to the country's shuttler Datuk.

Lee Chong Wei (R) and Lin Dan have dominated the badminton world for over a decade. /VCG Photo

Reports about Lee suffering from nose cancer started to hit the Internet in July. Someone named "Hishamuddin Abd Majid" wrote on Facebook on Friday that Lee was diagnosed with third-stage nose cancer. Multiple media outlets followed up but there was no official response until Saturday.

Lee missed both the BWF World Championships and the Asian Games this year for what was described as respiratory problems. There's no confirmed schedule for when he will return to action.

(Top picture: Lee Chong Wei, Malaysia's national shuttler Datuk /VCG Photo)