Lee Chong Wei returns home: I need to rest and recover first

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Malaysia's badminton hero Lee Chong Wei returned home from Taiwan on Sunday while avoiding media outlets which were waiting for him at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) and Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport in Subang, reported multiple local sources.

Later on Sunday, Lee sent a voice note to NSTP Sport: "I need to rest. I will hold a press conference soon with the members of the media. Just allow me to rest for a few days before I meet everyone. Thank you."

Lee Chong Wei of Malaysia (C) poses for pictures with his sons Kingston Lee (L) and Terrence Lee (R) during the awards ceremony following his victory in the men's singles final at the Malaysia Open badminton tournament in Kuala Lumpur on July 1, 2018. /VCG Photo

The Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) confirmed on September 22 that Lee is diagnosed with early-stage nose cancer and was in Taiwan for treatment along with his family and close friends.

Then in late September, the BAM said that Lee would return to Malaysia in October and the treatment for his cancer went well. Meanwhile, Lee received wishes and support from many people, especially of the badminton world.

Lee Chong Wei (L) and Lin Dan (R) after the men's singles final of the 2017 World BWF Super Series Malaysia Open at the Perpaduan Stadium on April 9, 2017 in Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia. /VCG Photo

Having reached No.1 on world rankings of badminton on August 21, 2008, Lee became the fourth Malaysian player of the sport to achieve the honor after Rashid Sidek, Roslin Hashim and Wong Choong Hann. He is also the country's first shuttler able to remain as world's No.1 for over a year (199 weeks).

There's no official news about whether Lee will pick up his racket again or his progress of recovery. Related information should be expected from his press conference in the future. What's worth noticing is that the Malaysian shuttler Datuk is meeting his 36th birthday on October 21. At least he will be able to enjoy a happay and healthy birthday this time.