Rio 2016: Indonesian badminton fans fall head over heels for Goh Liu Ying

They headed for Rio without fanfare, and not many were expecting them to be in contention for a medal.

Even fewer had them pegged to reach the finals, coming just a hair's breadth away from capturing that elusive first-ever gold medal for Malaysia.

So, even though badminton mixed doubles pair Chan Peng Soon and Goh Liu Ying fell at the final hurdle to Indonesia's Ahmad Tontowi and Liliyana Natsir, they deserve to be celebrated for the silver medal they bring home to Malaysia.

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That's the consensus among Malaysian fans, based on the outpouring of well wishes and compliments heaped on the duo on social media, following their finals match early this morning.

A brave performance by our mixed doubles pair, Chan/Goh to a tough Indonesian pair today. Congratulations to our first mixed silver medal!
— Nicol Ann David (@NicolDavid) August 17, 2016

Our second #Silver from Peng Soon and Liuying! Though we'll wishing #GoforGold, but their achievement is already an admiration! Syabas #MAS
— Abid (@bidkj) August 17, 2016

Congrats LiuYing & Peng Soon, we are proud of u! pic.twitter.com/SmZen0wuxv
— Dr Wee Ka Siong(@weekasiongmp) August 17, 2016

silver, no problem !! GOOD JOB PENGSOON & LIUYING still proud !!! #AyuhMalaysiaku
— Vian (@eviaannn) August 17, 2016

its ok. still proud of you guys fr making it into final. congrats peng soon and liuying #MAS #badminton
— farah (@frhxin) August 17, 2016

Positive comments totally drowned out criticism by cynics, who were most likely too overcome by the disappointment of not being able to finally hear 'Negaraku' being played at an Olympic Games venue.

Making the duo's achievement in Rio even more of a fairy tale, was the backstory on Liu Ying shared by Minister of Youth and Sports, Khairy Jamaluddin.

The backstory to Liu Ying and Peng Soon's silver medal. 79th in the world to Olympic podium. In one year. Inspiring. pic.twitter.com/9H0rPqLpMp
— Khairy Jamaluddin (@Khairykj) August 17, 2016

Interestingly, many fans, most notably from Indonesia, seemed more preoccupied with Liu Ying who sported an 'ombre' ponytail for the finals.

Jadi ngefans sm mba @gohliuying gara2 mupeng sama ombre hairstyle nya, bikin iri lg setelah wendy RV pake style ini. pic.twitter.com/7wsJ6JE4VZ
— Ghina (@ghina_shawol) August 17, 2016

Meanwhile.. Cc @makmummasjid pic.twitter.com/E0dqU7uzKC
— Fajar (@fajaranawawi) August 17, 2016

Mbak... https://t.co/L8TJQVdUaK
— Erren P. Dhaniar (@erren7dhaniar) August 17, 2016

Pemain badminton Malaysia cantik. Goh Liu Ying. I like her. Selamat buat medali peraknya. Selamat juga buat Owi/Butet utk emasnya. #RI71
— Redy Agustian (@rejardian) August 17, 2016

Seneng Sih Indonesia menang trus dapat medali emas... tapi sedih juga liat Malaysia kalah... soalnya pemainnya Cantik sih #OwiButetBisaEmas
— ©Bongar Sihombing(@bongarMETRO2) August 17, 2016

Malaysia is still potentially in contention for three gold medals in Rio, through Datuk Lee Chong Wei in the men's singles, and Goh V Shem and Tan Wee Kiong in the men's doubles, and divers Pandalela Rinong - Nur Dhabitah Sabri.

Congratulations Chan Peng Soon and Goh Liu Ying!