Sports can unite Malaysians - Olympians

The strong support of people of various races for Olympians proves that sports can unite the people, said Datuk Lee Chong Wei.

"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," he said after the Merdeka message by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak in Dewan Merdeka, Putra World Trade Centre (PWTC), Tuesday night.

Chong Wei, 33, said the four silver medals and one bronze were the best present by the national athletes to celebrate National Day.

"This is the best achievement of the contingent to the Olympic Games. Previously, Malaysia won only one or two medals."

Earlier, Chong Wei received a standing ovation with some badminton fans screaming his name as he arrived to attend the ceremony.

Pandelela Rinong, Cheong Jun Hoong, Tan Wee Kiong, Chan Peng Soon and Azizulhasni Awang were also given a standing ovation.

National diving queen Pandelela Rinong also concurred with Chong Wei.

"The strong support of Malaysians regardless of race poured in after we (Pandelela 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," she said.

Meanwhile, Azizulhasni, the bronze medalist in the men's keirin event, also welcomed the prime minister's National Day message.

The cyclist nicknamed 'The Pocket Rocket Man' said Malaysians should take the prime minister's message seriously in order to strengthen racial unity.

"I am very grateful for the peace and prosperity that we have enjoyed all these years," he said.

Mixed doubles player Chan Peng Soon said that he was proud to be a Malaysian adding the prime minister's message spurred him to achieve more success.