Malaysia great Lee Chong Wei announced his retirement on Thursday (13 June), ending a brilliant career. The cancer-hit star collected many honours but just missed by winning a world or Olympic title.
"My decision to retire is a heavy one. I really love this sport. But it is a demanding sport. I thank all Malaysians for the past 19 years," a teary-eyed Lee, 36, told a news conference.
Former Malaysian Prime Minister Mohd Najib Tun Razak also wished the player.
While this news came as a shock to many fans, the Badminton fraternity wished the three-time Olympic silver medallist a 'happy retirement'.
Lee Chong Wei's on-court rival, Lin Dan, expressed his sadness on his Weibo account, saying he had lost a friend in the sport.
Lee Chong Wei at the press conference said he would now like to rest and spend time with his family, and even take his wife on a "honeymoon", a trip that has been delayed since their marriage in 2012.
