THE temporary suspension by the Badminton World Federation (BWF) on Lee Chong Wei will not stop the World No 1 from giving morale support and sharing his experience with the players from the Malaysian team at next month’s Axiata Cup.
The three-time All England champion admitted that his return to training recently is mainly to help teammates like Chong Wei Feng, Liew Daren and Tan Kian Meng prepare for tournaments.
“I am helping them and also keeping myself fit. They should not be too worried about my problem,” said Chong Wei, who sparred with Kian Meng at Juara Stadium in Bukit Kiara yesterday.
The 32-year-old had delayed his return to training after the Incheon Asian Games to last Wednesday after he was notified by BWF that he had failed a dope test early last month.
Chong Wei tested positive for the banned anti-inflammatory dexamethasone, for which he could face an eventual suspension of up to two years. He has been provisionally banned from competing in tournaments till he faces a hearing which is expected to take place early next month.
“I will help anyone in the team to prepare for tournaments, including Wei Feng,” said the two-time Olympic silver medallist after Wei Feng had stated that he felt lonely in tournaments and in training in his mentor’s absence.
Chong Wei, however, declined to comment about his impending BWF hearing.
“I cannot comment about the issue as it is sensitive. We will wait for BWF to decide on the dates,” Chong Wei added.
In Chong Wei’s absence, Malaysia will depend on Wei Feng and Daren in the singles at the Axiata Cup, which offers a prize purse of US$1 million (RM3.3 million).
The BA of Malaysia has listed 12 players for the mixed team competition, and it is the first time that Chong Wei has been left out since the tournament’s inception in 2012.
The preliminary rounds will be held in Indonesia on Nov 27-Dec 3, while the semi-finals and final will be in Kuala Lumpur on Dec 6-7.