Pandelela Rinong (third right) with Datuk Lee Chong Wei (second right) and other Malaysian Rio Olympics athletes and officials on the open top bus during the National Day parade at the Dataran Merdeka in Kuala Lumpur yesterday. — Bernama photo
KUALA LUMPUR: Olympic stars Pandelela Rinong and Datuk Lee Chong Wei have led fellow Olympians in celebrating the unifying role of sports.
“The strong support of Malaysians regardless of race poured in after we (she and Cheong Jun Hoong) won Malaysia’s first medal in Rio. I was deeply moved by their support. Many gave their support and congratulations via the social media,” the national diving queen said after the Merdeka message by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak in Dewan Merdeka, Putra World Trade Centre on the eve of Hari Kebangsaan.
The strong support of people of various races for Olympians proves that sports can unite the people, Lee concurred.
“I am very happy with the support of the people, the Chinese, Malays and Indians. We are all Malaysians,” said the world number one badminton player. “I hope this support will continue although I will no longer feature in the Olympics.”
The 33-year-old world No. 1 added that the four silver medals and one bronze were the best present by the national athletes to celebrate National Day.
It was the country’s best performance since Malaysia started competing in the Olympic Games in 1964.
Earlier, Chong Wei received a standing ovation with some badminton fans screaming his name as he arrived to attend the ceremony. Pandelela, Cheong, Tan Wee Kiong, Chan Peng Soon and Azizulhasni Awang were also given a standing ovation.
Azizulhasni, bronze medalist in the men’s keirin event, also welcomed the prime minister’s National Day message.
The cyclist nicknamed ‘The Pocket Rocket Man’ asked Malaysians to take the message seriously.
“I am very grateful for the peace and prosperity that we have enjoyed all these years,” he said.
Badminton mixed doubles player Chan Peng Soon said that he was proud to be a Malaysian, adding that he was spurred to achieve more success. — Bernama