Dato’ Lee Chong Wei

Dato’ Lee Chong Wei is a former No 1 Malaysian badminton singles player who is an Olympic triple silver medallist. He is considered one of the greatest badminton players of all time.

He was discovered and trained by local badminton coach Teh Peng Huat at a badminton hall that he used to accompany his father to. He later caught the eye of former national shuttler Misbun Sidek, who drafted him into the national squad in 2000. In his 19-year-long international badminton career, he won a total of 69 titles, including an all-time record of 46 Badminton World Federation Super Series singles titles, 12 Malaysia Open titles and four All England titles. He was also ranked as World No 1 for 349 weeks, the most any badminton player has ever achieved and which included 200 consecutive weeks in the top spot, a feat that only he has achieved.

In 2014, Lee served an eight-month suspension from international competitions due to doping violations. His famous rivalry with China’s Lin Dan, whom he often went up against in finals, including at the World Championships and Olympic Games, came to an end after their last meeting at the 2018 All England Open, when he was diagnosed with nose cancer.

In 2019, after being cleared of cancer following multiple treatments in Taiwan, he announced his retirement on the advice of his doctors.

In 2026, Lee launched the inaugural Lee Chong Wei Cup at Stadium Juara, featuring 13 competitive categories across singles, doubles and mixed doubles. Sanctioned by BAM, the tournament for young players offered a substantial RM100,000-plus prize pool, with standout performers earning trials at Akademi Badminton Malaysia. He also continued as chairman of BAM’s Performance Committee, guiding Malaysia’s elite national team strategy.

Lee is married to fellow shuttler Wong Mew Choo, and they have three sons.