Super Dan looks to third Olympic title in Rio

China's Lin Dan reacts after wining his men's singles semi-final badminton match against Malaysia's Lee Chong Wei in Gyeyang Gymnasium at the 17th Asian Games in Incheon September 28, 2014. [Photo/Agencies]

BEIJING - Chinese badminton superstar Lin Dan said on Wednesday that he aimed to win a third straight Olympic title in the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games.

"I hope to win the third Olympic gold medal in Rio, which can show children around the world how one can realize one's dream through hard work and endeavor," the 31-year-old said at a ceremony that was held to announce his endorsement with sports gear manufacturer Yonex.

Lin and Yonex both refused to give details about the deal, although there had been rumors that it would run through 2025 and was worth 100 million yuan (about 16.33 million US dollars).

"It's a private matter," said Lin, adding that the deal was "rewarding".

One of China's best known athletes, Lin has won two Olympic singles titles (2008, 2012) and five world championships gold medals to his name.

The southpaw player had spent long spells away from badminton since the London Olympics, and was out of the top 100 earlier last year before recovering to his current ranking of sixth following his triumph in the Asian Games in Incheon.

Former world number one Lee Chong Wei, who is embroiled in a doping scandal, was considered the biggest threat to Lin's title defence in Rio.

The 32-year-old Malaysian has been suspended from competition after testing positive for the banned anti-inflammatory dexamethasone, and could be barred for up to two years.