KUALA LUMPUR, May 2 — Malaysian badminton legend Datuk Lee Chong Wei kept his relationship with wife Datin Wong Mew Choo under wraps for eight years to protect her from media scrutiny and family objections.

Sharing on social media in conjunction with Wong's 40th birthday on May 1, Lee said their love story began during their schooling days when he would kick her chair just to borrow paper and pen.

While others had their bags filled with books and stationary, Wong said his was filled with a pillow to sleep.

"I would borrow some papers and pen from the girl sitting in front of me,” he said adding that he would kick the girl's chair to get her attention.

As their friendship progressed, Lee said he asked Wong to be his girlfriend when he was playing at the World Youth Championship and when she was sitting for her SPM , but was rejected due to objections from her family.

That did not stop Lee from continuing to pursue Wong where he waited for her at the staircase area of their hostel to talk to her.

"If I can turn back time, I won't change anything I did for her,” he said, professing his love for Wong, adding he would hold her hands till the end of time.

The couple, who had been married since 2012, now have three sons, Kingston, Terrance and Anson.