PETALING JAYA: Taiwanese shuttler Chou Tien-chen is truly an inspiration to all.
Tien-chen was diagnosed with early stage colorectal cancer in the beginning of last year but he refused to give up on his badminton career.
The 34-year-old remarkably travelled to compete in tournaments just a day after he underwent surgery to remove part of his large intestine.
Tien-chen’s great fighting spirit saw him win the Thailand Masters title in Bangkok on Sunday.
He opened up on his tough journey since the cancer diagnosis last year in an interview with Singapore’s Channel News Asia (CNA).
“I decided to have a full medical check-up as I had not had one done for two to three years,” said Tien-chen.
“I was then diagnosed with early stage colorectal cancer after undergoing a colonoscopy.
“Actually, the other doctor I saw then thought the cancer was not bad and told me to have a follow-up appointment a year later.
“But that didn’t make sense to me, so I decided to proceed with the operation,” added Tien-chen.
Tien-chen had more of his large intestine removed than usual to prevent the cancer from spreading.
He needed to control his diet after the surgery and took some time to recover from the shock of getting cancer.
Tien-chen though was determined to overcome this latest challenge thrown at him.
His form understandably dipped last year and his rankings dropped from No. 5 to No. 14 but he battled back to win the Hylo Open in Germany in November.
“I think there are only very limited things we can do,” said Tien-chen.
“I kept telling myself that I have made it through tough periods before when I had not won a title and I have made it through the cancer operation, so there is no way I can’t make it through this hurdle.”
Tien-chen hopes to inspire others to overcome any setbacks.
“I realise that nothing I have now should be taken for granted, nor should I feel smug because everything is earned through perseverance,” Tien-chen said.
“I hope I can encourage myself and inspire others, letting them know they are definitely able to find a way out no matter what setback or accident they are confronted with.”
Tien-chen will now take a short break from tournaments before turning his attention to the German Open from Feb 27-March 3 in Mulheim.
He will not be competing in the Asia Team Championships from Feb 13-18 at the Setia Alam Convention Centre.
