KUALA LUMPUR, March 11 – National sports icon Datuk Lee Chong Wei admitted it has been difficult facing a five-month temporary suspension due to positive doping tests.
Chong Wei said he is relieved that the final date of the hearing panel has been set for April 11 in Amsterdam. Chong Wei is currently suspended by the Badminton World Federation (BWF) after testing positive for banned substance ‘dexamethasone’ while playing at the World Championships in Copenhagen, Denmark in August last year.
“The first month after getting to know I tested positive for doping, I could not accept the decision …I had never failed doping tests before. “The decision on April 11 is important for my career. I hope the decision will be in my favour to enable me to participate at the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (in 2016).
“During these five months, although it was difficult, I tried to strengthen myself and continue training as usual. I have to ensure that I am mentally and physically in good shape,” he told reporters before beginning training at the Juara Stadium in Bukit Kiara here today.
Chong Wei, who is also expecting his second child with his wife Datin Wong Mew Choo, said he managed to spend some quality time with her and their eldest son, Kingston Lee during the ban. Mew Choo, who is also a former national women’s singles player, is five months pregnant. “I am grateful to all who have given me encouragement during this period. “I hope to be playing in the court soon,” he said.
– BERNAMA
