Kuala Lumpur: Former Badminton world number one Lee Chong Wei is confident he will be cleared from a failed dope test and will find a place in the Malaysian squad for the Southeast Asian Games in June.
The twice Olympic silver medallist is provisionally banned and awaiting a verdict from Badminton World Federation (BWF) after testing positive for the anti-inflammatory drug dexamethasone during the world championships in August.
Lee, 32, faced a hearing in Amsterdam last week and is confident he will receive good news in the next two weeks and take part in the June 5-16 SEA Games.
“I’ll only play in the team event as the BAM (Badminton Association of Malaysia) plan to send me for a tournament which will clash with the SEA Games’ (singles) competition,” he was quoted as saying by Malaysian media on Saturday.
“If I’m eligible to compete, the team will be counting on me to deliver the first point. I hope to play the crucial role of boosting the team’s morale.”
Lee could face a two-year ban for the failed dope test.
He reiterated his determination to be back on court next month to begin the qualifying process for next year’s Rio de Janeiro Olympics.
“It’s important for me to start collecting points through the world ranking tournaments in order to improve on my position,” said Lee, currently ranked 30th in the world.
“It’s the Olympics that matter. There’s no time to be wasted come this May 1 when the one-year Rio 2016 qualification period commences.”
–Reuters
Watch the “We want Lee Chong Wei!” video
Lee Chong Wei’s success comes from his hard work, dedication, and determination. Watch the “We want Lee Chong Wei!” video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=klPyg2g8aCQ
