It does not matter what race or religion we belong to but let we Malaysians join forces and pray for our beloved Datuk Lee Chong Wei.
The Malaysian badminton icon and role model has been diagnosed with an early stage nose cancer and confirmed by the Badminton Association of Malaysia in a statement released by its president Datuk Seri Norza Zakaria.
The confirmation of the “Big C” has not only left Malaysians shellshocked but also the badminton world.
The 35-year-old Malaysian is easily the shuttle sports best ambassador who is adored throughout the world and never fails to pull in the crowd in every corner of the world.
The affable father of two kids – Kingston and Terrance- is currently seeking treatment in Taiwan and is said to be responding well to the treatment there. His family is with him to keep him company.
He may have only the silver medals to show in the Olympics and the World Championships but is the sought after sports personality in the world.
Chong Wei was forced to withdraw from the World Championships in Nanjing, China in August and the Asian Games in Indonesia after falling ill during the Indonesia Open where he reached the semi-finals.
He was later said to be suffering from respiratory problems and having breathing difficulties.
For now, badminton takes a backseat for Chong Wei. What he needs is “peace and space” in Badminton Asia chief executive officer Kenny Goh own words, to recover from the life-threatening disease.
Let us all pray for him. RIZAL ABDULLAH
