LEE Chong Wei, who is recovering from nose cancer, talks to sports blogger SS Dhaliwal in an exclusive interview.
Question: Can you share a little on your battle with nose cancer?
Answer: It came as a shock to me but it was fated and I have accepted it. No one expects things like this. When it was confirmed, I sought treatment and now we just have to see how it goes. But I feel optimistic and will adhere to doctors’ orders to overcome this.
Q: How do you feel right now and are you going to Taiwan for a follow-up?
A: I feel fine and I am resting, perhaps I needed this rest after all the years on the courts. There are no plans to go to Taiwan at the moment as reports are provided to my doctors there on a regular basis.
Q: When will you return to the court?
A: It all depends on what the doctors say, but really not before next year, there is a possibility in February but then again it depends on my progress and response to the treatment.
Q: Only a limited number of people have visited you, why is this so?
A: My immune level is rather low, so there is a need to have precaution as I am susceptible to picking up infections. I know many want to visit me or for me to be seen in public but I do hope they understand why I am not able to make any public appearance.
Q: What are your thoughts on Wong Choong Hann being appointed as coaching director?
A: It is a wise and good move by the BAM (Badminton Association of Malaysia) to give a local the job as they could have easily hired a foreigner. But having said that, Choong Hann has a tough task ahead as it’s not easy, he alone cannot uplift our badminton standards.
He needs the cooperation of all the coaches in the national set-up and it is they who must decide their commitment and assistance to Choong Hann. It’s a collective effort and I hope the coaches will be honest and work together as one team. Only then, can we improve our international fortunes.’
Q: Finally, your message to fans, media and the badminton fraternity.
A: I must thank all of you for your messages towards my well being as well as on my birthday. More importantly, thank you for being understanding. As you all know I am a fighter on the court and please pray that I win this off court battle. Your prayers provide me with the strength.