Cancer-stricken badminton star Lee Chong Wei says he's recovering well; Malaysian hopes to make comeback soon

Kuala Lumpur: Malaysian badminton star Lee Chong Wei has said he is recovering well and hopes to make a comeback following nose cancer treatment in Taiwan, a report said on Monday. The World No 5 and three-time Olympic silver medallist also posted pictures on social media of himself and his wife smiling and holding their children to mark his 36th birthday on Sunday. Lee returned to Malaysia on 7 October after treatment for early-stage nose cancer in Taiwan, but he has put public appearances on hold to focus on his recovery.

Thank you for all your birthday wishes, to the media, to my fans around the world, to Malaysia 🇲🇾 I’m just happy I can celebrate 36th with my family. 谢谢你们. pic.twitter.com/ss5sy9jSMn

— Lee Chong Wei (@LeeChongWei) October 21, 2018

In comments published in the New Straits Times newspaper, Lee said that “my health is my main priority right now. “The recovery process has been good so far but I still need rest. Once I am given the green light to make a comeback, I will.” “I thank everyone who encouraged and stood by me in my most difficult time,” he added. A return to the game would be a remarkable feat for Malaysia’s best known sports star, who has already had to fight his way back up the world rankings after being hit with a doping ban in 2015. He tested positive for a forbidden anti-inflammatory drug at the 2014 world championships and many feared it would end his career. The Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) announced last month that Lee had been diagnosed with early-stage nose cancer. BAM had said in July that Lee was suffering from a respiratory-related disorder and was pulling out of the World Championships and Asian Games. He is a superstar in his homeland after his long run of success at badminton’s highest levels, despite his oft-lamented failure to win a world or Olympic title.