Malaysians rally behind badminton star

August 07, 2012

Reset Text smaller

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia – Malaysians joined in an outpouring of sympathy Monday (August 6th) for badminton star Lee Chong Wei after his heart-breaking loss to Chinese star Lin Dan in the London Olympic Games, AFP reported.

Malaysia has accumulated five Olympic medals since 1964, but never won a gold, and Lee was its greatest hope to finally end the drought.

Malaysians gathered in droves, at home and at outdoor big screens, to watch a gripping final match that Lin – widely regarded as the best player of all time – narrowly won 15-21, 21-10, 21-19.

A visibly crushed Lee, 29, apologised following the loss – the second straight time Lin beat Lee in the final for Olympic gold. "Thank you everyone, I'm sorry I could not get gold," he tweeted.

Malaysians took to Twitter, Facebook and other social media to praise Lee despite their disappointment. For a time, #ThankYouLeeChongWei was among the top-trending hash tags on Twitter.

"We understand the pressure the nation weigh on your shoulder. You're already a hero and you did us proud," one of many supportive tweets read.

Lee is Malaysia's most successful Olympian with two silver medals, from the Beijing and London Olympics, and the country's biggest sports star.

Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak, whose wife Rosmah Mansor attended the match, tweeted after the contest: "(Lee Chong Wei) gave his best tonight against Lin Dan. All Malaysians are very proud of you!"

What do you think of this article? (Total Votes: 0)

0 Like(s)0 Dislike(s)

Add A Comment (Comments Policy)* denotes required field

An Indonesian Detachment 88 anti-terror officer keeps his sight on the house where terror suspects exchanged fire with police May 8th in Bandung on May 8. The suspects, thought to be linked to a plot to bomb the Burmese Embassy in Jakarta, at one point lobbed a pipe-bomb at police. Law enforcement is asking all sectors of society to help combat terrorism in Indonesia. [Usep Usman Nasrulla/Pikran Rakyat/AFP]

Police: Co-ordinated efforts needed to uproot radicalism

Civil society, media and religious leaders must help defeat terrorism in Indonesia, a top police official says. Many say they are already actively involved.

Students at Ban Luboluesong School in Asong subdistrict returned to class last week, along with the rest of the country's institutions of primary education. Teachers hope increased security will allow them to keep the focus on learning. [Rapee Mama/Khabar]

Prayers for peace as Deep South schools re-open

Local families in the insurgency-torn southern provinces hope improved security will help schools focus on educating their children, instead of reeling from militant attacks.

Colourful lights beckon tourists to take a moonlight ride on these trishaws in Melaka, Malaysia's historic town. [Grace Chen/Khabar]

Malaysia Taps Into Muslim Tourism Market

Pro-active efforts to make Muslim tourists feel at home has made Malaysia their holiday destination of choice, according to one survey.

Spotlight

Police: Co-ordinated efforts needed to uproot radicalism

Civil society, media and religious leaders must help defeat terrorism in Indonesia, a top police official says. Many say they are already actively involved.

Poll

Thailand recently announced plans to launch a peace dialogue with key insurgent group(s) in the Deep South. Will these talks result in reduced violence?

Photo Essay

Students in Desa Banjaran Borobudur, Central Java work part-time after school making ceramics. They use the money they earn for school expenses and to help their families. [Okky Feliantar/Khabar]

Young Indonesians: creativity at work

Across Java, many young Indonesians are contributing to the local economy, using their skills and creativity, and materials readily available in their communities. For some, those activities have opened doors to national and even global markets.