National badminton ace Lee Chong Wei today returned from the London Olympics to a rousing welcome, accorded him by more than 1,000 fans who felt he was a Malaysian hero who had done his best despite not winning the gold medal in the singles event at the games.   

NONE The arrival hall of the KL International Airport (KLIA) was swarming with cheering fans and supporters waving the Malaysian flag from as early as 6am. Some of them carried posters bearing the words ‘LCW - National Hero’ and ‘We Love You LCW’.

While waiting for Chong Wei's arrival, the fans sang the national anthem ‘NegaraKu’ and the patriotic song ‘Barisan Kita’.

The crowd became excited upon hearing the announcement that Malaysia Airlines Flight MH02 from London bearing Chong Wei had touched down at about 7.30am, and repeatedly shouted out his name.

NONE As soon as Chong Wei appeared in the arrival hall an hour later, the fans and supporters shouted “Malaysia Boleh” and sang the ‘NegaraKu’ and ‘Barisan Kita’ and repeatedly shouted out his name.

Chong Wei, who was wearing the Olympic silver medal around his neck, posed for photographers as the fans and supporters kept on cheering.

In the badminton men’s singles final at the London Olympics, Chong Wei went down fighting 21-15, 10-21, 19-21 to World No 1 Lin Dan of China. 

NONE Although he failed to bring home Malaysia’s elusive Olympic gold medal, Malaysians generally felt that the athlete had done his best and were not disappointed with his performance.

“I thank all my fans and supporters here today. I was surprised and did not expect to see my supporters here (at the KLIA).

“I did my best with the two weeks of preparation I had for this Olympics,” said Chong Wei, who had just recovered from an ankle injury sustained during the Thomas Cup tournament in China in May.

Chong Wei and Malaysia’s doubles team of Koo Kien Keat and Tan Boon Heong were greeted upon their return by Deputy Youth and Sports Minister Razali Ibrahim.  

A private college student in Cyberjaya, who wanted to be identified only as Kenny, was at the airport early to await Chong Wei’s return.

“He is the best (badminton) player in the world. Although he lost to Lin Dan, Chong Wei put up a tough fight. Luck was not on his side,” he said.

He said he hoped that Chong Wei would not give up but continue to win tournaments in the future.

- Bernama

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