Feature Writing
“I would say that it is the explosiveness that I possess in my game. Like a crouching tiger waiting to pounce on it preys". -World No.1 Lee Chong Wei on being asked about what his badminton strength. Firstly, let us all congratulate Pandelela Rinong because she became our pride and joy when she created history by becoming the first Malaysian woman to win an Olympic medal. Then of course we must also salute Lee Chong Wei. Chong Wei fought all the way in the final against Lin Dan with intensity and focus that we have not seen for a long time.
He entered the arena like a valiant gladiator and emerged a true hero. After that game, we can all say that Chong Wei is one real Malaysian hero, even minus the gold medal. The way Chong Wei carried himself in the months before the Olympics, diligently training while nursing and recuperating from injuries, spoke aloud of his determination to get the nation’s first Olympic gold medal. He was a much disciplined sportsman and a true professional.
There was never a doubt that Chong Wei was under tremendous pressure but he prevailed in the end to set up the championship clash with Lin Dan. Chong Wei delivered on his promise that was to do his utmost to enter the final and fight for gold till the end. That he did not win the gold medal is of no consequence, not after he stole the nation’s heart with a fighting display of the highest note in one of the most enthralling badminton finals in recent times.
We can also agree on another point. For 79 pulsating minutes at least, Chong Wei united 28 millions Malaysians. Considering how we, Malaysians, are often on opposing ends on so many issues, those precious minutes Chong Wei was on court were like a badly needed tonic to put us back on track again, even momentarily. It gave us the rare opportunity to ponder on the good, positive vibes that make us proud citizens of what should have been a great nation.
Well, Chong Wei might have brought the silver medal home from the London
He entered the arena like a valiant gladiator and emerged a true hero. After that game, we can all say that Chong Wei is one real Malaysian hero, even minus the gold medal. The way Chong Wei carried himself in the months before the Olympics, diligently training while nursing and recuperating from injuries, spoke aloud of his determination to get the nation’s first Olympic gold medal. He was a much disciplined sportsman and a true professional.
There was never a doubt that Chong Wei was under tremendous pressure but he prevailed in the end to set up the championship clash with Lin Dan. Chong Wei delivered on his promise that was to do his utmost to enter the final and fight for gold till the end. That he did not win the gold medal is of no consequence, not after he stole the nation’s heart with a fighting display of the highest note in one of the most enthralling badminton finals in recent times.
We can also agree on another point. For 79 pulsating minutes at least, Chong Wei united 28 millions Malaysians. Considering how we, Malaysians, are often on opposing ends on so many issues, those precious minutes Chong Wei was on court were like a badly needed tonic to put us back on track again, even momentarily. It gave us the rare opportunity to ponder on the good, positive vibes that make us proud citizens of what should have been a great nation.
Well, Chong Wei might have brought the silver medal home from the London