KUALA LUMPUR: To be listed along world legends in the Badminton World Federation (BWF) Hall of Fame is already a historic feat for national badminton legend Datuk Lee Chong Wei.
But, he felt what makes it even more special, is being inducted together with his on-court nemesis Lin Dan of China.
Reacting to BWF's announcement that Chong Wei and Lin Dan have been elected to be inducted into the world governing body's Hall of Fame for 2023, the 41-year-old shared how his life evolved from a normal badminton playing kid to world legend.
"When I was a small kid in Penang, I was trying all means to be able to play in a proper badminton hall, and now we're talking about the (BWF) Hall of Fame.
"Since falling in love with this game, all I've ever wanted to do is to play the game to my best, enjoy the adrenaline rush, represent my country, win medals for them and produce a badminton spectacle which can put a smile on every fan watching it. It was awesome, and I've never regretted any moment of my career.
"When you look at some of the unbelievable talents to have graced the badminton arena in the past, I feel very honoured to join the Hall of Fame. Without my coaches, teammates, family, as well as my opponents, I won't be able to achieve this," Chong Wei shared in his Facebook.
Yesterday, BWF said the two legends, who were the most dominant men's singles shuttlers in their generation, would be inducted into the Hall of Fame during an official ceremony on May 26 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC).
Chong Wei and Lin Dan, 40, who began their senior international career in the early 2000s, had stamped their presence on the game until their retirements in 2019 and 2020 respectively.
Chong Wei, who retired due to nasal cancer, had bagged 47 BWF Superseries/World Tour titles in total during his 19-year illustrious career and was world number one for an amazing 349 weeks.
The Penang-born is also Malaysia's most successful shuttler, having won three Olympics silver in Beijing 2008, London 2012 and Rio 2016, as well as three World Championships silver medals in 2011, 2013 and 2015.
Lin Dan, on the other hand, was unrivalled when it came to the major championships, with two Olympic and five World Championships titles.
Chong Wei and Lin Dan's dominance saw them contesting against each other in a total of five Olympic and 10 World Championships finals.
-- BERNAMA
Bernama
Wed May 03 2023
Yesterday, BWF said Datuk Lee Chong Wei and China's Lin Dan would be inducted into the Hall of Fame during an official ceremony on May 26 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC).- Hall of Fame
Chile's 'seed guardians' grow and protect forgotten food varieties
The guardians collect, trade and plant hundreds of seeds to preserve forgotten varieties of tomatoes, corn and other vegetables.
Saying 'no' to mobile phone use while driving
Mobile phones have become indispensable, yet their impact on road safety remains insufficiently examined.
How ASEAN's cybersecurity push could protect people and economies
ASEAN is stepping up to create a more secure regional cyberspace.
How lab-grown meat can feed our need for protein
Putting meat on people's plates is a significant contributor to global warming.
Developing nations blast $300 billion COP29 climate deal as insufficient
Some delegates gave the deal a standing ovation in the COP29 plenary hall. Others lambasted wealthy nations for not doing more.
Johor's four-and-a-half-day work week depends on state govt's rationale - Azalina
She said the state government must have valid reasons for the proposal but declined to elaborate further.
Gunman shot dead, 3 police injured in shooting near Israeli embassy in Jordan
The kingdom has witnessed some of the biggest peaceful rallies across the region as anti-Israel sentiment runs high over the war in Gaza.
23 killed, 45 injured in fresh Israeli airstrikes on eastern Lebanon
Over 3,600 people have been killed by Israeli attacks in Lebanon so far.
Is climate change making tropical storms more frequent? Scientists say it's unclear
Scientists say it remains unclear how much climate change is reshaping the storm season.
Samples obtained by Chinese spacecraft show moon's ancient volcanism
The material provides new insight into the moon's geological history including the oldest evidence to date of lunar volcanism.
The scamdemic targeting the young and vulnerable
Teenagers and young adults are becoming prime targets for a new wave of cyber scams, a trend raising alarm bells across Southeast Asia.
Japanese manicurist takes on plastic pollution, one nail at a time
Before global leaders address plastic pollution, a Japanese manicurist highlights the issue by incorporating it into her nail designs.
What to watch for ahead of US presidential inauguration
Here's a timeline of events between now and inauguration day.
The battle to reduce road deaths
In Malaysia, over half a million road accidents have been recorded so far this year.
Pro-Palestinian NGOs seek court order to stop Dutch arms exports to Israel
The Dutch state, as a signatory to the 1948 Genocide Convention, has a duty to take all reasonable measures at its disposal to prevent genocide.
How quickly can Trump's Musk-led efficiency panel slash US regulations?
Moves by Trump and his appointees to eliminate existing rules will be met with legal challenges, as many progressive groups and Democratic officials have made clear.
2TM: Consultations on PTPTN loans, admission to IPTA at MOHE booth
Consultations on PTPTN loans and admission to IPTA are among services provided at the Higher Education Ministry booth.
Kampung Tanjung Kala residents affected by flooded bridge every time it rains heavily
Almost 200 residents from 60 homes in Kampung Tanjung Kala have ended up stuck when their 200-metre (m) long concrete bridge flooded.
COP29 climate summit draft proposes rich countries pay $250 billion per year
The draft finance deal criticised by both developed and developing nations.
Bomb squad sent to London's Gatwick Airport after terminal evacuation
This was following the discovery of a suspected prohibited item in luggage.