LEE Chong Wei will start training as soon as he gets the green light from his doctor as the national badminton ace has recovered early from nose cancer treatment. 

Lee said his doctor in Taiwan told him he had “recovered well” after a month in treatment.

“Yesterday my doctor said that my condition is well. I have to listen to him and will take things slowly (during training),” he said in a press conference today that was broadcast live on the Badminton Association of Malaysia Facebook page.

The 36-year-old’s health problems have been in the spotlight since he pulled out of the World Championships in China and the Asian Games in Indonesia last month.

Chong Wei said the illness was the toughest challenge he had faced in his career.

 “When I heard I got cancer, I couldn’t sleep for a week.

“The treatment was very tough and I couldn’t eat. Every time I tried to swallow, it was too painful and I cried.

“It has been the toughest challenge I’ve had to face. I lost 5kg, but (have since) gained back 3kg.”

But he will not be retiring from the game just yet. 

“I will not retire because I love the sport and my country. If my condition is good than I will continue if it gets bad then I will stop.

“My family has been very supportive but my first priority is not to return to the court but my health.”

He said he did not expect to have trouble qualifying for the 2020 Olympics.

“I will try to get the gold because it has always been my dream. If I’m in good condition then I will fight for the medal.

“Now, I want to recover and when the doctor say I can come back, then I will.”

Chong Wei is the most successful national player ever, having won the silver medal thrice at the Olympic Games (2008, 2012 and 2016), and emerging as many times the runner-up in the World Championships (2011, 2013 and 2015).

He has won 69 events and been runner-up 34 times. – November 8, 2018.