Chong Wei can still deliver in Brazil Olympics 2016

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TENACIOUS DISPLAY: Chong Wei plays against China’s Lin Dan during the Men’s Singles gold medal match at the London Olympic Games in London recently. — AFP photo

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia can still bank their hope on badminton ace Datuk Lee Chong Wei to deliver a gold medal at the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in 2016, said former Badminton Association of Malaysia president Tan Sri Elyas Omar.

He said the 30-year-old Chong Wei was still considered young and could still represent the country in four years’ time.

“There is nothing wrong with playing competitive badminton at the age of 34 if Chong Wei can maintain his health and does not sustain serious injuries in the next three or four years.

“In fact, I think at that age, Chong Wei will be more mature and more experienced and better prepared to take the challenge,” he told Bernama yesterday.

Elyas said from his observation, Chong Wei’s performance at the London Olympics was more tenacious than in Beijing in 2008 as Lin Dan found it harder to beat him this time around.

Chong Wei lost 21-15, 10-21, 19-21 to world’s number one single Lin Dan of China in the men’s single final at the London Olympics on Sunday.

“He lost narrowly to Lin Dan and should be complimented for his fighting spirit and it is unbecoming of any quarters to find fault with him,” said Elyas, adding that  Malaysians  should continue to support Chong Wei in his endeavour. — Bernama