Badminton great Lin Dan said he wants to compete in the Tokyo Olympics, dismissing retirement plans after winning Asian Games men’s singles gold Monday.
Asked how long he would keep competing, Lin at first said he did not know. But when pushed by reporters on whether he would defend his Olympic title in Rio in two years’, Lin went one better, replying: “Tokyo”.
He went on to confirm his ambition to play in Japan, when he would be 36-year-old.
“I feel very lucky to have won gold here today – I want to play more for my country and I’m looking ahead to the Tokyo Olympics,” he went on.
Lin was in powerful form in Incheon, overcoming arch rival Datuk Lee Chong Wei in the
singles semi-finals before
defeating 25-year-old teammate Chen Long in the epic three-match final.
Even though world champion Chen is heir apparent to Lin’s throne, he has still never beaten “Super Dan” who stands 7-0 in their head-to-head.
Malaysian number one Chong Wei who won bronze in the men’s singles, was more cautious about his future plans Monday, saying that he would prepare for Rio.
“I need a rest now because next year the Olympic points will start, and that’s more important,” said 31-year-old Chong Wei, who has said that this would be his last Asian Games.
He added that the Denmark Open in October would likely be his final competition this year before taking a break. — AFP