KUALA LUMPUR: Lee Chong Wei fans can soon catch their idol in a television series as the former world No. 1 has agreed to feature in a reality show.
The former world No. 1 has penned a deal with Shanghai-based television station CCTV for a reality show leading up to the Olympic Games in Rio next year.
“CCTV will feature four sports – badminton, basketball, swimming and football. Lin Dan and I have been chosen for badminton. We’ll coach three junior players each and this show will run for weeks,” said Chong Wei, who has a huge following in China.
“I have other commitments at home too. I’m busier than before but I’m enjoying it.
“It’s all about striking a right balance. I won’t let it affect my training,” added world No. 46 Chong Wei, who will compete in the team competition in the Singapore SEA Games next month.
Chong Wei has just returned from a promotional programme by sponsor Yonex in Beijing to promote badminton and empower the younger generation of players.
He shared the spotlight with three other mega stars – China’s Lin Dan, Indonesia’s Taufik Hidayat and Denmark’s Peter-Gade Christensen in a one-day exhibition match in front of their fans in the programmed called The Legends’ Vision.
They are committed to playing at four stops – China, Indonesia, Denmark and Malaysia – under The Legends’ Vision 2015 World Tour.
With the Beijing opener done and dusted, they will reunite in Jakarta, just before the World Championships in August.
The third stop will be in Copenhagen – just before the Denmark Open – in October and the final destination will be here in December.
Chong Wei, who is back after serving an eight-month ban over a doping issue, is delighted to resume his duty as an ambassador for the sport.
“I’m thrilled to be part of this amazing team. Peter and Taufik are not playing competitively anymore but I admire their dedication to do their part for the game,” said Chong Wei, who returned home on Thursday.
“We had fun showing the fans how the game should be played. It’s our way to promote the sport. We want badminton to be popular all over the world.
“Peter and Taufik wanted to extend this promotional stint to South Africa and America this year but Lin Dan and I said no.
“Lin Dan and I have some unfinished business – a face-off at the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro. Then, we can expand the tour.
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