Nadzmi Salleh admires Lee Chong Wei for a brilliant effort in London Olympics – Badminton News
Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) president Datuk Seri Nadzmi Mohd. Salleh is really happy with Lee Chong Wei’s exceptional performance in London Olympics and he commended the maestro for saving the country’s honour.
World Number two Chong Wei, despite playing after an injury-period, stayed invincible to setup a dream final with Chinese nemesis Lin Dan.
However, luck was not on his side as he missed a gold medal by a hair. He lost with 21-15, 10-21 and 19-21.
Despite of this, Chong Wei was welcomed as a national hero and Nadzmi Salleh also included his comments in the nation’s voice.
He declared the Malaysian maestro unparallel and praised his honest effort against Lin Dan in the grand finale of the mega event.
He said, “He is truly a character of his own. He was exceptionally good and did well to put pressure on Lin Dan but luck was on his side towards the end.”
The two-time Olympic silver medallist Chong Wei could not train properly for London Games and he only had two-week full training session in Bath.
However, he proved his class by claiming second spot on victory stand after a memorable title match with arch-rival Lin Dan.
Datuk Nadzmi believes that Chong Wei’s ankle injury proved blessing in disguise as he reacted like a wounded tiger. He added that the badminton king has earned his status in the arena and deserves all the respect and praise.
He said, “Injury did not dampen his spirit ... it renewed the spirit in him. He is a fighter and I am not surprised that he was won the admiration of the nation.”
Later, BAM president also revealed that the association is all set to launch a special four-year programme to find new talent for 2016 Rio de Janeiro Games.
He said, “Our team will re-look the training and coaching programme. New plans are in store and we will begin our four-year cycle for the next Olympic Games. We are aware of the need to groom new stars.”
For the record, the Malaysian ace Chong Wei has announced to continue for two years after 2012 Olympics but he asserted that national body should develop new world beaters to replace him in the next edition of the mega event.
Tags: