BEIJING - China's badminton ace, Lin Dan, said his preparations for the 2012 London Olympic Games won't delay his nuptials to former star Xie Xingfang.

"Now, for me, there is not only badminton in my life," said 27-year-old Lin. "I have sacrificed so much to play badminton at the expense of my family, girlfriend and friends. Now, I feel my family and friends are just as important as the sport."

Nicknamed 'Super Dan', Lin is one of the hottest sports star in China and his love affair with Xie, a former world badminton champion and world No 1, has drawn great public interest.

At the Guangzhou Asian Games last month, Lin completed a career grand slam by being crowned the singles champion in front of hometown girl Xie, who was an organizing committee official.

"I won't postpone the marriage simply because of the London Olympics," Lin said. "I have experienced a lot and I know how to do everything.

I am considering getting married before the London Games and I am making efforts towards that."

The increasingly popular shuttler said he would like to keep the ceremony low key.

"When we get married, I hope the wedding will be private," he said. "I hope it will be just like those of common people and not the focus of media hype."

After the Asian Games, Lin withdrew from the China Open in Shanghai due to fatigue, but is now playing at the World Super Series in Hong Kong.

China Daily