
Taipei: Taiwan’s world no. 14 men’s singles player, Chou Tien Chen, underwent surgery for colon cancer, a fact he never shared with those around him, with only his family knowing about this. He continued to train as normal, shining on the badminton court, securing two championships after the surgery (2023 Hylo Open, 2024 Thailand Masters), showcasing his admirable fighting spirit.
Known for his disciplined diet and routine, Chou Tien Chen, decided to undergo a health check during a period when there was no competition last year. Unexpectedly, he was diagnosed with early-stage colon cancer. Without hesitation, he opted for surgery to remove it. Post-surgery, he resumed his regular life, and remarkably, he maintained high-intensity training, persisting in competing in the BWF World Tour tournaments.
Chou Tien Chen actually disclosed his battle with cancer at a church gathering in November last year after winning the 2023 Hylo Open with the purpose of inspiring others with his personal story.
Besides his family, Chou Tien Chen did not inform his friends about his battle with colon cancer. Many learned about it only through the news today, expressing amazement at his achievements in winning championships after the surgery.
Now that Chou Tien Chen has revealed his battle with cancer to the public, he continues to strive relentlessly on the badminton court. Returning triumphantly from winning the 2024 Thailand Masters, he plans to celebrate the Lunar New Year with his family and will then kick off a packed schedule of competitions at the end of February. He is set to compete in events in Germany, France, the UK, Switzerland, and Spain, aiming to accumulate points for the Paris Olympics, with hopes to compete in the Olympics for the third time after Rio and Tokyo.