Earlier today (13th June), Datuk Lee Chong Wei announced his retirement in a press conference, prompting Malaysians all over the country to pay tribute and show their gratitude to the badminton star’s contributions.
Lee Chong Wei decided to retire after his most recent check-up with his doctor in Taiwan. The badminton player was diagnosed with nose cancer in September 2018 and underwent a successful 2-month treatment. He stated during the press conference,
“She (the doctor) told me to rest. I took rest and discussed it with BAM (the Badminton Association of Malaysia) and (Youth and Sports Minister) Syed Saddiq. I said after Raya, I will retire. (But) my health is more important.”
As soon as the news broke, comments and posts paying tribute to the country’s most successful badminton player began to flood social media, making the hashtag #TQChongWei trend on Twitter.
Check out what Malaysians on social media have to say to our star badminton player;
There is no other sportman like you. The most disciplined and strong-willed athlete ever produced in the arena. Such a nation pride. #TQChongWei
— afikamarul_7 (@afikamarul) June 12, 2019
You have served Malaysia for too long. The country owes you a lot #TQChongWei.
Rest well and come back as a coach. We need more #LeeChongWei in the future.
— Initial: FA (@FirdausAzil) June 13, 2019
You cry, we cry. You win, we win. Thank you @LeeChongWei. I’ve known no other athlete as dedicated as you and the whole world has had the pleasure of witnessing the true spirit of sportsmanship that you carry.#TQChongWei pic.twitter.com/PRvDakmiJE
— Nailah Huda (@nylahuda) June 13, 2019
One of the reason why I started badminton..Hats off lagend✨??. You’ve made Malaysia proud.#TQChongWei https://t.co/JrXCUGZ53L
— skipp (@drazree_) June 13, 2019
Happy retirement and thank you for bringing all Malaysians together to root for the country whenever you played. #TQChongWei
— Ka Kay (@kakayy) June 13, 2019
#TQChongWei for making Us proud to be Malaysian.
— mitchellwong (@cholmitch) June 13, 2019
Many thanks for your commitment, time and effort all these years @LeeChongWei #TQChongWei @501Awani https://t.co/LqDxzJ7Cvw
— Cherish Leow (@Cherish_Leow) June 13, 2019
weh mata tetiba masuk habuk ?.
Dear Datuk Lee, you gave done all of us proud. Just be yourself and enjoy every moments with your loving family.. Happy retirement.❤️ #TQChongWei #livinglegend #yoursmashwillbemiss pic.twitter.com/SvKELWiHSA
— NurSyazaRoshidi (@syazaroshidi_) June 13, 2019
Datuk Lee Chong Wei spent 19 years representing Malaysia on the international stage and has definitely done our country proud with his outstanding achievements. Malaysia’s sports industry definitely won’t be the same without him!
What do you have to say about his retirement? Let us know in the comments section!
Also read: BREAKING: It’s Official! Datuk Lee Chong Wei Announces His Retirement From Badminton