Rio 2016: V Shem-Wee Kiong can now aim for gold at Tokyo 2020 Olympics

The intense men’s doubles match between Malaysia and China in their fight for the nugget of gold on Friday garnered the attention of millions of Malaysians.

Netizens applauded Malaysia’s doubles pair Goh V Shem and Tan Wee Kiong, ranked world's No.12, for their admirable spirits in defeating a horde of high-profiled players to reach the final.

Right from the word go, the duo showcased inimitable determination as well as physical and mental strength when up against the more experienced pair from China, Fu Haifeng and Zhang Nan.

During the London 2012 Olympics, Fu Haifeng was paired with Cai Yun to claim the gold medal, while Zhang Nan clinched bronze with doubles' partner Zhao Lei.

Malaysia's badminton aficionados were hopeful that V Shem-Wee Kiong would up the ante for gold medal at the Olympics 2020 in Japan.

All out game! You guys did a very good job. Satu lagi pingat perak untuk #MAS. Tahniah Goh V.Shem & Tan Wee Kiong!
— Yddete(@MiraaAnuar) August 19, 2016

First Olympic appearance dapat silver. Quarter tombangkan ranking nombor 1. Okay laa tu. Not bad. Tahniah Goh V Shem Tan Wee Kiong
— QUSYAIRI ZAINI (@QusyairiSizuka) August 19, 2016

Perlawanan yg hampir buat aku gugur jantung; tapi aku tahu kalian telah bertarung dengan bersungguh. Tahniah Goh Shem & Tan Wee Kiong! #MAS
— Champ (@jhnrdzi) August 19, 2016

olympic Tokyo 2020 nanti, serious aku nak beregu lelaki Goh V Shem dan Tan Wee Kiong ada. please jangan awal sangat nak bersara. please.
— Isa Azrie (@isesase) August 19, 2016

Waiting for Goh-Tan comeback in Olympic Tokyo 2020
— Weed Trampled (@cosmo_aesthete) August 19, 2016

Tan Wee Kiong and Goh V Shem are gonna get the gold in Tokyo 2020.
— priz. (@TheLow95) August 19, 2016

V Shem-Wee Kiong lost to China 21-16, 11-21, 21-23 in a mesmerising spectacle at the RioCentro Pavilion 4 on Friday.

The duo earned Malaysia its third silver medal following divers, Pandelela Rinong and Cheong Jun Hoong victories in the women's synchronised 10-metre platform and badminton mixed doubles pair, Chan Peng Soon-Goh Liu Ying.