Lee Chong Wei
Datuk Lee Chong Wei (born 21 October 1982) is a retired Malaysian professional badminton player widely regarded as one of the greatest singles players in the sport's history.[1][2] Specializing in men's singles, he held the world number one ranking for 349 weeks, including a record 199 consecutive weeks from August 2008 to June 2012, and amassed 69 international titles over his 19-year career.[1][3] Chong Wei's defining achievements include three consecutive Olympic silver medals—in Beijing 2008, London 2012, and Rio 2016—making him the only Malaysian athlete to reach the Olympic podium in three straight Games.[2][4] Born in Bagan Serai, Perak, to a Malaysian Chinese family, Chong Wei was introduced to badminton at age 11 by his father, Lee Ah Chai, and initially trained at local halls before being scouted by coach Misbun Sidek.[3][4] He joined the national squad in 2000 and quickly rose to prominence, debuting internationally at the Asian Junior Championships that year.[1] His breakthrough came with consistent performances in major tournaments, including a bronze at the 2005 World Championships and multiple wins at the prestigious All England Open, where he triumphed four times (2010, 2011, 2014, 2017).[1][2] Chong Wei dominated the Malaysia Open with a record 12 titles between 2004 and 2018 and secured three Commonwealth Games singles golds in 2006, 2010, and 2018, while also earning silver medals at the World Championships in 2011, 2013, and 2015.[1][2] His career was marked by an intense rivalry with China's Lin Dan, often dubbed the "Lin-Lee rivalry" for its high-stakes matches that elevated badminton's global profile.[3][5] In September 2018, Chong Wei was diagnosed with early-stage nose cancer and underwent successful treatment in Taiwan, returning briefly to competition before announcing his retirement on 13 June 2019 due to lingering health concerns.[3][4] Right-handed and standing at 172 cm, he played with Yonex equipment throughout his career and received numerous honors, including the Datuk title in 2008 and multiple BWF Player of the Year awards (2009, 2010, 2011, 2013, 2016).[6][2] Married to fellow badminton player Wong Mew Choo since 2012, with whom he has two sons, Chong Wei has since transitioned to motivational speaking, coaching, and authorship, including his bestselling autobiography Dare to Be a Champion. In October 2025, he was appointed chairman of the Badminton Association of Malaysia's (BAM) performance committee.[1][3][7]Early life and background
Family and childhood
Lee Chong Wei was born on 21 October 1982 in Bagan Serai, a rural town in Perak, Malaysia, into a Malaysian Chinese family.[8] He is the youngest of five children, raised by his father, Lee Ah Chai, a former salesman, and his mother, Khor Kim Choi, in a modest working-class household that faced financial struggles.[9][10] The family later relocated to Bukit Mertajam in Penang, where Lee spent much of his formative years in a socioeconomically challenging environment typical of Malaysia's rural-industrial transition zones during the 1980s and 1990s.[9] Growing up in these areas, marked by agricultural roots and emerging light industries, Lee experienced a childhood defined by limited resources, with his father supporting the family on a modest monthly income of around RM800.[9] In his early years, he developed an interest in outdoor sports, particularly basketball, which he enjoyed playing despite his mother's concerns about the physical demands and exposure to the elements.[11] Despite the hardships, Lee's family provided foundational support for his pursuits, instilling values of perseverance amid their everyday challenges as small-scale workers in Penang's developing community.[12] This upbringing in a close-knit, resilient household shaped his early character before his involvement in organized sports.[11]Introduction to badminton
Lee Chong Wei began playing badminton at the age of 11 in 1993, when his father introduced him to the sport at a local badminton hall in Penang, Malaysia.[13] Growing up in a family that encouraged participation in sports, the young Lee quickly developed an interest in the game, transitioning from casual play to more structured practice.[3] At around age 12, Lee's potential was noticed by local coach Teh Peng Huat during sessions at the Penang hall, leading to intensive daily training after school that focused on building fundamental technique and discipline.[3] Under Teh Peng Huat's guidance, Lee progressed rapidly, joining the Penang state team by his mid-teens and honing skills that emphasized precision and endurance. This early regimen laid the foundation for his development, transforming him from a recreational player into a dedicated junior athlete. Lee's talent was later spotted by former national player Misbun Sidek, who drafted him into Malaysia's national squad in 2000 at age 17, where he refined his abilities with an emphasis on mental toughness and strategic play.[14] His junior career peaked in 2000 with notable international exposure, including a bronze medal in boys' singles at the Asian Junior Championships in Kyoto, Japan, marking his debut on the global stage.[4] That same year, he represented Malaysia at the World Junior Championships in Guangzhou, China, securing another bronze in boys' singles and establishing himself as a promising talent in the sport.[15]Professional career
Early years (2002–2006)
Lee Chong Wei entered the senior international badminton circuit in 2002, making his professional debut at the Malaysia Open while transitioning to full-time training with the national team after being scouted by coach Misbun Sidek in his late teens. Under Misbun's rigorous regimen, which prioritized enhancing his court speed, endurance, and tactical acumen, Lee focused on building a solid foundation through intensive sessions at the national training center. This period marked his shift from junior competitions to the demanding professional level, where he competed in several Super Series events to gain experience against elite players.[16][17] In 2003, Lee achieved his first significant breakthrough by reaching the final of the Malaysia Open, the oldest badminton tournament in the world, where he faced and lost to China's Chen Hong in a closely contested match. This runner-up finish highlighted his emerging talent and resilience, as he navigated a strong field including established Asian rivals. The performance earned him recognition within the Malaysian badminton community and contributed to his steady improvement in international exposure.[18] Lee's career gained momentum in 2004 with his maiden international title at the Malaysia Open, defeating a competitive draw to secure the men's singles crown and establishing himself as a title contender. He followed this with a win at the Chinese Taipei Open, demonstrating versatility across different tournament conditions. These victories accelerated his ranking progress, propelling him into the BWF top 20 by year's end and setting the stage for consistent deep runs in Super Series events. In 2005, he added another Malaysia Open title and claimed bronze at the World Championships in Anaheim, confirming his entry into the global top 10 with a peak ranking of No. 7.[1][18][19] The year 2006 represented a pinnacle in Lee's early professional phase, as he defended his Malaysia Open title for a third straight victory and won the Swiss Open, showcasing refined attacking play honed under Misbun's coaching. At the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne, he captured gold in men's singles, defeating compatriot Wong Choong Hann in the final to become Malaysia's first singles champion in the event since 1998. Lee also secured the Asian Championships gold in Johor Bahru and helped Malaysia earn bronze in both the men's team at the Asian Games and the Thomas Cup, underscoring his role as a key asset to the national squad amid rising international pressure.[1][2]Breakthrough and first Olympic medal (2007–2008)
In 2007, Lee Chong Wei marked his emergence on the international stage by securing his first BWF Super Series title at the Malaysia Open, defeating Lin Dan in the final with scores of 21-19, 10-21, 21-15. This victory highlighted his growing prowess and initiated a storied rivalry with the Chinese world number one, as the two players met in high-stakes finals throughout the year. Later that year, Lee reached the final of the prestigious All England Open Super Series Premier, another milestone as his first appearance in a Premier event final, though he fell to Lin Dan 21-19, 21-13. These performances demonstrated Lee's consistency and attacking style, positioning him as a serious contender against the dominant Chinese shuttler.[6] The year 2008 solidified Lee's breakthrough, beginning with another Malaysia Open Super Series title, where he again overcame Lin Dan in the final 21-16, 21-11, reclaiming the home crown and extending his unbeaten streak in the tournament. He reached the final of the Swiss Open Super Series but lost to Lin Dan 21-13, 21-18, and was runner-up at the All England Open Super Series Premier for the second consecutive year, defeated by Lin Dan 21-16, 21-16. These results, coupled with strong showings in other events, propelled Lee to his debut as world number one on August 21, following the Olympic Games—a ranking he would hold for a record 349 weeks in total. Additionally, Lee claimed the inaugural BWF Super Series Finals title in December, beating Kenneth Jonassen of Denmark 21-16, 21-8 in the final, capping a transformative year. The rivalry with Lin Dan intensified through these encounters, with their finals clashes showcasing contrasting styles: Lee's relentless smashes and court coverage against Lin's tactical precision and endurance.[6][14] At the 2008 Beijing Olympics, Lee made history by becoming the first Malaysian to reach the men's singles final, securing a silver medal after a dominant run that included straight-set victories over Shon Wan-ho of South Korea in the semifinals. In the gold medal match on August 17, he faced Lin Dan and lost 21-12, 21-8, unable to counter the Chinese player's superior control and speed despite an aggressive start. This achievement marked Malaysia's first Olympic medal in badminton and the nation's first in any individual sport since 1996, earning Lee the National Sportsman of the Year award and the Pingat Jasa Gemilang (PJG) from the government. The silver not only elevated Lee's status but also sparked a surge in badminton's popularity across Malaysia, inspiring a new generation of players and increasing participation in the sport nationwide, as evidenced by heightened media coverage and youth enrollment in training programs.[20][21]Rise to world number one (2009–2012)
In 2009, Lee Chong Wei solidified his position as the world's top-ranked men's singles badminton player, maintaining the number one spot for a record 199 consecutive weeks that extended from August 2008 through June 2012. This streak, the longest in badminton history at the time, underscored his consistency and dominance during a period when the Badminton World Federation's computerized rankings were firmly established. As the top seed in numerous tournaments, Lee captured multiple BWF Super Series titles, including victories at the 2009 Malaysia Open and the 2010 Japan Open, demonstrating his ability to outperform elite competitors like China's Lin Dan and Chen Jin on a regular basis. His sustained ranking also earned him the BWF Male Player of the Year award for 2009, 2010, and 2011, recognizing his pivotal role in elevating Malaysia's presence in international badminton.[22][23][17] A key coaching adjustment in 2009 saw Indonesian Hendrawan join the Badminton Association of Malaysia as Lee's head coach, focusing on refining his technical skills and physical conditioning to counter his rivals' strengths. Under Hendrawan's guidance, Lee enhanced his net play, enabling sharper control and deceptive shots at the front of the court, while targeted stamina training helped him endure longer rallies in high-stakes matches. These improvements were evident in his run to the final at the 2009 BWF World Championships in Guangzhou, China, where he lost to Lin Dan 21-16, 21-14, contributing to a silver medal contention for Malaysia. The partnership proved transformative, as Lee went on to win three consecutive BWF Super Series Finals titles from 2008 to 2010—the only male player to achieve this feat—showcasing his evolved all-court game.[24][25] In 2010, Lee's form peaked with a silver medal at the Asian Games in Guangzhou, where he defeated Chen Jin in the semifinals but lost the final to Lin Dan 22-20, 21-19. This performance highlighted his tactical growth, particularly in maintaining pressure through improved endurance during extended exchanges. The following year, he defended his All England Open title in 2011, defeating Lin Dan 21-17, 21-17 in the final to secure his second consecutive victory at the prestigious event and become the first non-Indonesian to win three Indonesian Open titles in a row. At the 2011 BWF World Championships in London, Lee reached the final after a dominant semifinal win over Peter Høeg Gade (21-13, 21-9), only to fall to Lin Dan again in a thrilling decider, 22-20, 14-21, 23-21, earning silver and reinforcing his status as the sport's preeminent challenger.[26][27][28] Lee's team contributions were notable at the 2011 Sudirman Cup in Qingdao, where he won all his matches, including a key victory over South Korea's Lee Yong-dae, helping Malaysia secure a fifth-to-eighth-place finish in the elite group despite a quarterfinal loss. Culminating this era, at the 2012 London Olympics, Lee advanced to the men's singles final with straight-set wins over opponents like Indonesia's Simon Santoso, but again encountered Lin Dan in the gold-medal match, losing 21-15, 21-10 to claim silver—his second Olympic medal and a testament to his unyielding pursuit of the top prize. These years marked Lee's most dominant phase, blending individual excellence with national representation amid intense rivalries.[29][30]Peak challenges and third Olympic silver (2013–2014)
In 2013, Lee reached the final of the BWF World Championships in Guangzhou, China, but lost to Lin Dan 16–21, 21–13, 21–17 after retiring injured in the third game, earning silver. This performance marked another near-miss in his quest for a world title, highlighting the ongoing rivalry with Lin Dan. The following year, at the 2014 Asian Games in Incheon, South Korea, Lee added a silver medal in men's singles, losing the final to Chinese rival Lin Dan in a closely contested match that highlighted the intense rivalry between the two players. Despite the defeat, Lee's performance throughout the tournament demonstrated his resilience and technical prowess, as he advanced through the draw with dominant wins over opponents from Indonesia and Malaysia. This silver contributed to Malaysia's overall medal haul and underscored Lee's continued dominance in regional events, even as he prepared for the upcoming Olympic cycle. Lee's preparations for the 2016 Rio Olympics were overshadowed in September 2014 by a doping controversy at the BWF World Championships in Copenhagen, where he tested positive for dexamethasone, a prohibited substance. The Badminton World Federation (BWF) initially cleared Lee in January 2015, accepting his explanation that the substance resulted from an unapproved medical treatment for a knee injury under a therapeutic use exemption. However, the BWF appealed the decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), which in April 2015 imposed an eight-month backdated suspension ending on April 30, 2015. The scandal had a profound emotional and professional impact on Lee, drawing intense media attention and temporarily tarnishing his reputation as one of badminton's cleanest athletes, despite his history of prior Olympic silvers serving as motivation to pursue gold. He publicly expressed devastation and apologized to fans, emphasizing his commitment to fair play, while the incident prompted broader discussions on anti-doping protocols in the sport. This challenge tested Lee's mental fortitude amid his peak physical form, influencing his approach to training and competition in the lead-up to the Rio Games.Recovery and fourth Olympics (2015–2016)
Following the resolution of his 2014 anti-doping case, where the Badminton World Federation imposed an eight-month backdated suspension ending on April 30, 2015, Lee Chong Wei returned to competition in May, determined to rebuild his form and ranking.[31] He began with the Sudirman Cup, contributing to Malaysia's team efforts despite entering unseeded and ranked outside the top 100, signaling a gradual physical and tactical readjustment after nearly a year away. Under head coach Hendrawan, Lee emphasized structured recovery protocols, including targeted strength exercises and rest periods to address muscle fatigue from prior injuries exacerbated by the ban.[32] This coaching shift brought a focus on technical precision and endurance, helping Lee adapt to a compressed schedule while rebuilding confidence.[33] Lee's 2015 resurgence was marked by five Super Series victories, showcasing his rapid return to elite performance. He claimed the Canada Open in July, defeating top seeds en route to the title, followed by the US Open in August, where his aggressive net play overwhelmed opponents.[2] In October, he secured the French Open, his third title of the year, by edging out Viktor Axelsen in a tight final that highlighted his improved stamina.[34] November brought back-to-back triumphs at the China Open, where he upset world number one Chen Long 21-15, 21-11, and the Hong Kong Open, defeating Tian Houwei 21-16, 21-15 to cap a dominant run.[35][36] These wins propelled him from 180th in the world rankings in June back to number one by September, a testament to his disciplined training regimen that incorporated physiotherapy for thigh and knee issues from earlier stem-cell treatments.[37] At the 2015 World Championships in August, Lee, still unseeded, reached the final but fell to Chen Long 21-16, 21-15, earning silver and demonstrating mental fortitude amid high-pressure matches.[38] Entering 2016, Lee's preparation for the Rio Olympics prioritized physical restoration, including extended recovery from a minor muscle strain that led to his withdrawal from the Australian Open in June to avoid overexertion.[39] He channeled this focus into the Indonesia Open, where he clinched a record-equaling sixth title in a comeback victory over Jan O. Jorgensen 17-21, 21-19, 21-17, underscoring his tactical adaptability under Hendrawan's guidance.[40] Mental resilience training became integral, with Lee incorporating visualization and stress management techniques to counter the psychological toll of past controversies, as noted by his emphasis on holistic preparation for peak performance.[41] These strategies paid off at the Rio Olympics, where he advanced to the men's singles final after a dramatic semifinal win over Lin Dan 21-16, 21-14. In the gold medal match, however, Chen Long prevailed 18–21, 21–15, 21–15, securing Lee's third consecutive Olympic silver and closing his four-Olympics campaign on a bittersweet note.[42][43]Final competitive years (2017–2019)
In 2017, Lee Chong Wei faced significant challenges from a knee injury sustained during training in February, when he tore the medial collateral ligament in his left knee after slipping on a wet mat at the Badminton Association of Malaysia academy.[44][45] This injury forced him to withdraw from several events, including an initial decision to skip the All England Open, though he ultimately competed after partial recovery and won the tournament for a fourth time by defeating Shi Yuqi 21-12, 21-10 in the final.[46][47] Later that year, the knee issue persisted, leading to a sudden withdrawal from the Hong Kong Open, where he conceded a walkover in the second round. Despite these setbacks, Lee maintained his competitive edge, reaching semifinals in other Super Series events while managing rehabilitation. Entering 2018, Lee secured a bronze medal in men's singles at the Asian Games in Jakarta in August, defeating Anthony Sinisuka Ginting in the bronze-medal match but showing signs of fatigue during the tournament that later hinted at underlying health issues. Shortly after, in September, he was diagnosed with early-stage nasopharyngeal cancer following medical checks prompted by persistent symptoms such as loss of appetite and weight loss that had emerged around the time of the Asian Games.[48][49] The Badminton Association of Malaysia confirmed the diagnosis, noting that Lee had begun treatment immediately and was responding positively, though the news marked a profound personal and professional blow.[50] Lee underwent intensive radiation therapy in Taiwan starting in October 2018, completing 37 sessions by December, which temporarily sidelined him from competition and affected his speech and stamina during recovery.[51] He made a brief return in January 2019 at the Indonesia Masters, his first tournament post-treatment, but lost in the second round to Jonatan Christie 21-17, 21-19, marking his final competitive match.[52] Health concerns led to further withdrawals, including from the Malaysia Open in March and the Sudirman Cup in May, as doctors advised against high-intensity play due to incomplete recovery.[53][54] On June 13, 2019, Lee announced his retirement, citing medical advice that his body could no longer withstand elite-level demands, effectively closing a 19-year career punctuated by three Olympic silvers. Throughout these years, Lee often reflected on his storied rivalry with Lin Dan, describing it as a driving force that elevated his game despite the Chinese player's edge in major finals. In post-retirement comments tied to his 2019 exit, Lee called Lin "the greatest of all time," emphasizing their 40 encounters—not just as competition but as mutual motivation, with Lin noting Lee's presence had spurred him to continue competing longer.[55][56] This partnership in rivalry, Lee later shared, transformed badminton's global landscape, pushing both to unprecedented consistency even amid personal adversities.[57]Retirement and post-retirement
Retirement announcement
On June 13, 2019, Lee Chong Wei officially announced his retirement from professional badminton during an emotional press conference held at the Ministry of Youth and Sports in Putrajaya, Malaysia.[58] The 36-year-old former world number one stated that the decision was difficult but necessary, marking the end of his 19-year international career.[59] He broke down in tears while expressing his love for the sport and gratitude to his supporters.[60] The primary reasons for his retirement were persistent health challenges stemming from his early-stage nose cancer diagnosis in September 2018, which required radiation treatment, combined with ongoing injuries that hindered his ability to train and compete at an elite level.[61] Doctors advised him that his body could no longer withstand the rigors of professional badminton, despite his initial hopes of returning for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.[58] Lee emphasized that prioritizing his health was paramount, stating he had no regrets about the choice.[59] The announcement elicited an outpouring of tributes from fans and peers, underscoring the emotional weight of his farewell. Thousands of Malaysians flooded social media with messages of thanks and well-wishes, celebrating his contributions to the nation.[62] Rival Lin Dan, Lee's longtime competitor, shared a poignant Weibo post lamenting the end of their iconic rivalry, writing, "No one is with me anymore."[63] In the immediate aftermath, Lee outlined his plans to focus on full recovery and quality time with his family, including a long-delayed honeymoon with his wife, Wong Mew Choo, without pursuing any coaching roles at the time.[58] Public reaction in Malaysia was profoundly emotional, uniting people across the country in admiration for Lee's perseverance and impact on badminton.[64] Sports officials and the prime minister expressed support for his decision, hailing him as a national icon.[65] Post-retirement, Lee received further national recognition, including enhanced honors that affirmed his status as a Malaysian hero.[66]Involvement in badminton administration
Following his retirement from competitive badminton in 2019 due to health issues, Lee Chong Wei has actively engaged in administrative and developmental roles to support the sport in Malaysia. In August 2025, he joined the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) as a voluntary council member, motivated by a desire to contribute to the revival of Malaysian badminton without seeking personal gain or power.[67][68] This appointment was part of BAM's structural reforms aimed at enhancing governance and performance, where Lee emphasized his commitment to restoring the sport's former glory through loyalty and expertise.[69] In October 2025, Lee was appointed head of BAM's performance committee, a key role in the organization's streamlined structure under the Tangkis 2030 initiative.[7][70] However, his appointment faced criticism from former Olympian Datuk Razif Sidek, who argued that Lee lacked sufficient administrative experience; Lee responded by emphasizing his commitment to the sport and calling for unity.[71] In this position, he oversees talent development, player preparation for major tournaments like the Olympics, and the integration of science-based training with support from programs such as Road to Gold (RTG).[72][73] Lee has stressed the importance of hard work over quick fixes, working closely with coaches to build a robust support system without placing undue pressure on the team.[74] As part of his administrative contributions, Lee has taken on mentorship responsibilities, advising the national team and inspiring young players through his experience.[75] His involvement has been credited with boosting player motivation and credibility within the squad, particularly in men's singles, where he advocates for patience in rebuilding depth.[76] In July 2025, Lee publicly commended the national team's progress in public statements, noting that Malaysian shuttlers were evolving from participants to contenders, thanks to structured support and strong team spirit in the first half of the year.[77][78] He specifically urged giving coaches like Kenneth Jonassen time to adapt and strengthen the squad.[79] Beyond BAM, Lee has contributed through his Lee Chong Wei Badminton Academy, which he founded in 2017 and has continued to develop post-retirement to nurture grassroots talent via training camps and bootcamps for children aged 6-12, focusing on fundamental skills like smashes and net play.[80][81][82] These programs, active since 2017, emphasize passing on badminton as Malaysia's national sport to the next generation.[83] Additionally, he has supported charity initiatives, including a RM2 million donation to BAM and the National Sports Council in 2019 for sport development, and more recently endorsing events like the 2025 Seeds of Love Charity Badminton Tournament with autographed items for fundraising.[84][85] In 2024, his foundation benefited from a charity tournament that raised RM20,000 for causes including support for Down Syndrome initiatives.[86] These efforts highlight his ongoing dedication to the sport's growth and community welfare.Personal life
Marriage and family
Lee Chong Wei married Wong Mew Choo, a fellow former Malaysian national badminton player, on November 9, 2012, in a two-day ceremony in Kuala Lumpur.[87] The couple has three sons: Kingston, born on April 12, 2013; Terrance, born in July 2015; and Anson, born on November 28, 2022.[88][89][90][91] The family resides in Kuala Lumpur, where Lee has emphasized balancing his public persona with private family time, particularly in raising his children away from intense media scrutiny.[92][93] Throughout Lee's career, Wong provided unwavering support, standing by him during training and competitions, and the family collectively backed his decisions, including his 2019 retirement.[94] Post-retirement, Lee has shifted focus to family, expressing a desire to actively parent his sons and care for Wong as they build a stable home life together.[95][93] As a Malaysian Chinese family, they observe traditional celebrations such as Chinese New Year, with Lee often participating in community outreach during the festival to share joy with the less fortunate.[96]Health challenges
Lee Chong Wei encountered persistent health issues during the 2010s, primarily involving injuries to his knee, ankle, and back that necessitated adjustments to his training and occasional withdrawals from competitions. In August 2010, at the World Badminton Championships in Paris, he aggravated a pre-existing back injury during his quarterfinal match against Taufik Hidayat, which disrupted his rhythm and contributed to his unexpected defeat despite leading in the decider.[97] Two years later, in May 2012, during the Thomas Cup quarterfinals, he tore a tendon in his right ankle mid-match against Denmark's Peter Gade, forcing him to retire from the game; he underwent stem cell injections as part of his rehabilitation to facilitate a return within months.[98][99] Knee problems recurred frequently, including a medial collateral ligament tear in his left knee during a February 2017 training session at Malaysia's National Sports Complex, which he managed through conservative treatment and strapping, enabling a swift comeback to competition just weeks later.[44] A notable health-related incident occurred in 2014 when Lee tested positive for the prohibited anti-inflammatory dexamethasone at the World Badminton Championships; the substance was traced to medication administered for an undisclosed thigh injury during stem cell therapy, leading to an eight-month suspension by the Badminton World Federation that was backdated to allow his clearance in May 2015.[100][101] This episode highlighted the challenges of managing injury treatments under strict anti-doping regulations, though Lee maintained the ingestion was unintentional. In September 2018, Lee received a diagnosis of early-stage nasopharyngeal cancer, marking his most profound health battle. He traveled to Taiwan for treatment, completing 33 sessions of proton therapy by early October, a process that caused severe side effects including burns on his neck, difficulty swallowing and speaking, and a loss of nearly 5 kilograms in weight.[102] Declared cancer-free by November 2018 after follow-up scans, he credited his wife's support—such as hand-feeding him during recovery—for helping him endure the ordeal.[103] The combined strain of these injuries and cancer treatment profoundly affected Lee's training, reducing his stamina and forcing scaled-back sessions in 2019 as he struggled to regain peak form.[51] This ultimately factored into his retirement announcement on June 13, 2019, after medical advice indicated his body could no longer sustain elite-level demands.[104] Since retiring, Lee has maintained ongoing medical monitoring with regular check-ups and has publicly shared his journey to promote early detection and health management among athletes.[58]Achievements and honors
Major titles and records
Lee Chong Wei amassed a total of 69 international singles titles over his 19-year career, establishing him as one of the most decorated players in badminton history.[1] Among these, he secured a record 46 BWF Super Series titles, the highest by any male singles player, earning him the nickname "King of Superseries."[105] This dominance in the Super Series circuit underscored his consistency at the elite level, with victories spanning major tournaments like the All England Open, Japan Open, and Indonesia Open. In domestic competition, Lee holds the all-time record with 12 Malaysia Open titles, won between 2004 and 2018, making him the only player to reach 14 finals in the event.[1] His success at the prestigious All England Open further highlights his prowess, as he claimed four championships (2010, 2011, 2014, 2017) and reached seven finals overall—the most appearances by any player in the Open Era.[1] These achievements at badminton's oldest tournament cemented his status as a perennial contender. Lee's ranking dominance is equally remarkable, with 349 weeks at the world number one position, an all-time record for men's singles, including a streak of 199 consecutive weeks from August 2008 to June 2012.[5] His career win-loss record stands at 703 wins and 155 losses in singles matches, yielding a winning percentage of approximately 82%. A notable aspect of his rivalry with China's Lin Dan was their 40-match head-to-head, where Lee recorded 12 victories to Lin's 28, though these encounters often defined major finals.[106]| Record Category | Achievement | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Total Singles Titles | 69 | Including 46 BWF Super Series titles (record for men's singles).[105] |
| Malaysia Open Titles | 12 | Record holder; 14 finals appearances (all-time record).[1] |
| All England Open | 4 titles, 7 finals | Most finals in Open Era; wins in 2010, 2011, 2014, 2017.[1] |
| Weeks at World No. 1 | 349 total (199 consecutive) | All-time record for men's singles.[5] |
| Career Win Percentage | ~82% | 703 wins in 858 singles matches. |
| Head-to-Head vs. Lin Dan | 12-28 | Across 40 matches.[106] |