Malaysians Are Thanking Lee Chong Wei For Uniting The Nation After His Retirement
Fans from all over the world are also honouring the badminton legend on social media.
By Samantha Khor — 13 Jun 2019, 06:46 PM
It's truly the end of an era.
After an illustrious career spanning close to two decades, Datuk Lee Chong Wei has officially confirmed that he is retiring from competitive badminton.
"It's a difficult decision for me because I really love badminton, but my health is more important," Lee said in a press conference earlier today, 13 June.
"I want to thank you Malaysians. I want to thank a lot of people KBS, ISN. I want to thank all my coaches Datuk Misbun Sidek, Datuk Tey Seu Bock."
In an emotional Facebook post, the badminton legend - who was diagnosed with nose cancer in July last year - also apologised for not being able to deliver Malaysia's first Olympic gold and encouraged his successors to not give up the dream.
Though Malaysians are no doubt saddened by the announcement, many took to social media to pay tribute to and thank the former World No. 1 for his incomparable contributions to the sport
The elusive Olympic gold may remain so for the badminton G.O.A.T., but Lee Chong Wei will always be an inspiration and be remembered for the blood, sweat, and tears he'd sacrificed for the country
Chinese shuttler Lin Dan, who's probably Lee's fiercest rival on the court, also dedicated an emotional song to the latter in light of his retirement
Not gonna lie, all these messages are bringing tears to our eyes all over again, especially when some pointed out that it's a sad year for Malaysian sport as squash queen Nicol David also announced her retirement earlier this year
We love you 3,000, Datuk Lee Chong Wei. Thank you for the powerful memories and everything you've done for Malaysia over the last 19 years. <3
