Chong Wei still can go for Olympic gold, says Misbun

Lee Chong Wei’s ultimate goal to be the Olympic champion in 2020 is not over as said by Malaysian Men’s Singles head coach Datuk Misbun Sidek.

The 35-year-old who is undergoing the treatment - related to respiratory-illness - in Taiwan assures Misbun with his good health and there should be no problem according to The Star Online.

Lee had to skip the 2018 BWF World Championships due to the sickness and will not participate at the upcoming Asian Games too.

Misbun strongly believes that Lee - who grabbed first Olympic medal (silver) at the Beijing under him- will comeback stronger than ever.

Misbun, who guided Chong Wei to his first Olympic silver medal at the Beijing Games in 2008, believes the 35-year-old will overcome his illness and return stronger than before.

“That’s good sign, let us all pray for his speedy recovery,” said Datuk coach.

“He is the fighter and I have belief that he will continue his good form in badminton to chase his dream,” he added.

“He still has time for 2020 Tokyo Olympics. The ample time of two years, where he has a chance to participate in Worlds next year and Olympics the following year; as Worlds is conducted annually except Olympics.”

“As long as he takes good care of his fitness besides his regular training, he still has opportunity to tick the ultimate Olympic gold.

Previously, the Malaysian clinched his 12th Malaysian Open title defeating the recent Worlds champion Kento Momota followed by reaching the semi-finals at the Indonesia Open before losing to the latter a week later.

Lee’s absence at the tourneys is a void as other national Men’s Singles players lost the spark in the international tournaments.

The Malaysian Soong Joo Ven lost in the second round at the recently concluded Vietnam Open, while Cheam June Wei and Lim Chi Wing failed to clear their first-found challenge.

“It is very disappointing with their performance after looking over the review of the players submitted by the coach Indra Wijaya,” said Misbun.

“Promising the good game is not enough, which is done by Joo Ven, as the most important thing is to win,” added Misbun.