Shuttler Lee Chong Wei "recovering well" from early stage cancer

Malaysian badminton legend Lee Chong Wei has been diagnosed with early stage nose cancer and is "recovering well" after seeking treatment, the country's badminton association said on Saturday.

In a statement responding to the recent reports concerning Lee's health, Norza Zakaria, president of the Badminton Association of Malaysia, confirmed that the three-time Olympic silver medallist "has been diagnosed with early stage nose cancer."

The shuttler is currently in Taiwan, China seeking treatment, "and I am pleased to inform you that he is responding well to his treatment and is currently resting and recuperating amongst family and close friends," Norza said in a statement, reports Xinhua news agency.

"On behalf of Chong Wei, I would like to thank all Malaysians for your prayers and concern. Your support has been his source of strength and courage," he added, urging that the privacy of Lee and his family be respected.

The confirmation came after a social media post claiming that the 35-year-old has been diagnosed with stage-3 nose cancer.

He has been absent from the game after pulling out of this year's BWF World Championships and the Indonesian Asian Games due to "a respiratory related disorder" in July. Before that, Lee seemed to be back in top shape this year, when he ended Kento Momota's winning streak in the Malaysian Open final and clinched his 12th Malaysia Open title.

--IANS

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