2012 Olympic medallist Chung Jae-sung dead

Hwaseong, March 9: Olympics 2012 badminton bronze medallist Chung Jae-sung of South Korea died on Friday at the age of 35.

Chung’s wife found him dead in the living room of their home in Hwaseong, some 70 kms south of Seoul, at 8.12 a.m. on Friday, according to local police, reports Yonhap news agency.

Police said Chung was diagnosed with arrhythmia after a check-up three years ago, and his family said Chung had complained of occasiol chest pains, especially when he was under stress.

Police said the exact cause of three-time World Championships medallist Chung’s death has not yet been determined and they will ask the tiol Forensic Service to conduct an autopsy.

Chung teamed up with Lee Yong-dae to win bronze in the men’s doubles at the 2012 London Olympics. The duo reached No.1 in the world rankings in 2009.

The local and intertiol badminton communities reacted with shock after Chung’s sudden death.

Kim Jung-soo, Executive Director of the Badminton Korea Association and former tiol team head coach, remembered Chung as a feisty player.

“Despite his short stature, he tried so hard to be among the world’s best,” Kim said. “It’s so sad to see him go.”

Lee Chong Wei, former world No.1 in the men’s singles, told the Malaysian newspaper Star: “This is sad news. I offer my condolences to his wife and two children and I pray that the family will stay strong.”

Tan Boon Heong, who lost to Chung and Lee in the bronze medal match of the 2012 Olympics, was also quoted by the Star as saying: “I’m so sorry to hear this news. He was a super fit as a player.”

Indian women singles stars Sai Nehwal and P.V. Sindhu have also extended their condolences to the families and friends of Chung. IANS