Sports transcends boundaries, and it has proven to be the most effective platform to strengthen the understanding and friendship between peoples from all over the world.
For Malaysia, the most-watched match between Malaysian shuttler Lee Chong Wei and Lin Dan of China for the coveted world champion title in the men’s singles final at the Beijing Olympics last Sunday night shows that sports is a unifying factor among races.
It does not matter whether Chong Wei is Chinese, as for us all, he is Malaysian and representing the nation in the Olympics. It has been every athlete’s dream to be in the Olympics, let alone winning a medal.
Wherever they are, at mamak stalls, office or at home, Malaysians from all walks of life, irrespective of race, watched with bated breath the match live on television when Chong Wei “fought to his death” to deliver an Olympic medal for Malaysia.
But poor Chong Wei, he was carrying a heavy weight ahead of the finals against the Chinese juggermaut, with the hopes of the nation resting on his shoulders as the Beijing Olympics approached.
Despite being one of the sport's powerhouses, Malaysia has never won Olympic gold in badminton before, or in any other sport.
Chong Wei had earlier admitted the tremendous pressure and expectation for him to win.
"The whole of Malaysia wants a medal, preferably gold, and I really do not want to disappoint them. To be honest, I do think a lot about it. There is a lot of pressure. My target is to win a medal and the key, I believe, is mental strength."
The Malaysian badminton ace who promised a fight before the games conceded that Lin Dan, world’s number one, was a far superior player. Chong Wei, world’s number two lost to Lin Dan of China 21-12, 21-8.
Never mind silver, you have delivered an Olympic medal and you have made Malaysia proud. You are our national hero and the fact that you have reached this far, that by itself, is a triumph.
Bravo Chong Wei!
1 comment:
Credit to Misbun too.
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