FORMER World No 1 Le Hyun Il is ready to strike fear and dethrone gold medal contenders Lee Chong Wei and Lin Dan at the Incheon Asian Game in September.
The two-time Olympic semi-finalist may have turned 34-years-old last month but the Korean is still hungry for success as he makes his third bid to make a successful comeback.
Hyun Il disappeared from the scene after losing to China's Chen Jin in the bronze medal play off at the 2012 London Olympics but he resurfaced last October by winning the Korea Grand Prix.
The former Asian Games gold medallist stamped his mark recently by winning a tournament in Sri Lanka.
"I did not retire from the sport after the Olympics. I kept myself active in domestic tournaments. However, I was not part of the Korean team because I wanted to rest and have my own time," said Hyun Il after signing a two-year sponsorship with Apacs, a manufacturer of badminton equipment, in Kuala Lumpur yesterday.
"I do not intend to return to the Korea team but I will be available if they need me for the Asian Games. I just want to enjoy the game and see how far I go in my third comeback in the sport."
With the sponsorship, Hyun Il will get to play between 10 and 15 tournaments this year.
Hyun Il also indicated he could continue until the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.
"The Korean BA and I have not discussed about anything. I do not know whether I will be playing in the Asian Games but I of course I would like to be involved as Korea are hosting it.
"I will continue as long my body permits me. Korea have good players but they have not matured yet. They need to grow up and play their best badminton," Hyun Il added.
Former world junior champion in doubles, Mak Hee Chun, Chow Pak Chuu and Indonesia's Adrianti Firdasari all signed a two-year deal with Apacs yesterday.
