Malaysian badminton icon Lee Chong Wei promises to return

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Malaysia's legendary badminton player Lee Chong Wei who has been missing from the court for over three months after being diagnosed with nose cancer said on Thursday that his recovery went well and he will not retire.

"I finished all my treatment…and have recovered very well. I want to come back to the court. As of now, I am not retiring," said Lee at his first press conference since he was diagnosed with early-stage cancer.

The 36-year-old Datuk told reporters that he could return to training as early as December and aimed to make his comeback at the All England Open in March 2019.

Lee Chong Wei appears in good health at a press conference on Thursday. /VCG Photo

Having won three Olympic silver medals already, Lee has not given up chasing for the gold and he already plans to go for it at the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, which will be the fifth such event for Lee.

"This is my dream. But health is most important. I just try my very best because I love my country…and I love badminton," said Lee.

Lee after winning the silver medal in men's singles badminton at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. /VCG Photo

Lee went to Taiwan for treatment after the diagnosis. He recalled that he felt so upset and lost all hope in the beginning until the doctors told him that he had early-stage nose cancer which could be treated. Though mentally he felt better but the process was still filled with pain, especially when he tried to eat.

Lee said that his medical condition is back to normal and his first goal is to regain the weight and appetite he lost during the treatment before he could start the intensive training program. Meanwhile, he still needs to visit Taiwan every three months for evaluation.