In this May 18, 2013, file photo, newly-elected Badminton World Federation President Poul-Erik Hoyer speaks during a press conference in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. (LAI SENG SIN / AP)

KUALA LUMPUR - Badminton World Federation (BWF) President and Olympic gold medalist Poul-Erik Hoyer Larsen revealed on Thursday that he is receiving treatment after being diagnosed with Parkinson's disease.

Medical science has come a long way in dealing with Parkinson's disease, and I feel very little impact of the disease in all areas of my day-to-day life. 

Poul-Erik Hoyer Larsen, Badminton World Federation President

The 54-year-old Dane announced he has been receiving medical treatment for the condition after being diagnosed some years ago and, with the assistance of doctors, has continued to carry out his duties as BWF president "without limitation," said the world governing body.

"I feel now is an appropriate time to make this news public," Larsen said in a statement." Medical science has come a long way in dealing with Parkinson's disease, and I feel very little impact of the disease in all areas of my day-to-day life."

"My full efforts are totally focused on leading the Badminton World Federation and fulfilling my role as IOC member. I would like to thank the badminton and sporting community for their ongoing support and I look forward to leading the BWF as we plan for our safe return to international badminton," he said.

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Parkinson's disease is a progressive nervous system disorder that affects movement. Symptoms start gradually, sometimes starting with a barely noticeable tremor in just one hand. Tremors are common, but the disorder also commonly causes stiffness or slowing of movement.

Larsen is a retired Danish badminton player who won major international singles titles in the 1990s, and ranks among Denmark's badminton greats.

During his career as a shuttler, he became a gold medalist in men's singles at the Atlanta 1996 Olympic Games. He also won two All-England Open Badminton Championships in 1995 and 1996, and the European Badminton Championships in 1992, 1994 and 1996.

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Larsen later became president of Badminton Europe in 2010 before being elected BWF president in 2013. He was reelected as BWF president in 2017.