KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 20 — Datuk Lee Chong Wei promised Malaysians tonight that he will do his utmost to give the country the Olympic gold medal that is missing from its trophy cabinet.
Just moments before his men's badminton singles final against China's Chen Long, Lee took to Facebook to post excerpts from an interview in which he express his hopes of bringing home the ultimate Olympic prize for the country.
“I will give it my very best and I know that every Malaysian will be rooting for me, I promise not to let you down. I have tasted defeat twice before and this time I want the gold, not for me, not for my family, not for Badminton, but for every Malaysian.
“Let's pray that this time things will be different and we get to hear the Negaraku being played for the first time in the Olympics.
“This one is for you, Malaysia,” he said.
Lee expressed relief at having overcome arch rival Lin Dan in the semifinal yesterday, saying the victory buoyed him going into tonight's match.
He said he has been planning for this moment since his defeat four years ago in the London Olympics, when Lin Dan had denied him the Olympic gold.
"Lin Dan was gracious in defeat and wished me well for the final, a true champion, he gave me a hug and said that I deserved the win,” he said.
Lee will play Chen Long at 8.20pm tonight to determine the men's singles champion for the 2016 Olympics.
Lee and Chen Long have faced off a total of 25 times since 2009, with Lee having won 13 times while Chen Long has won 12.
However, Lee has beaten Chen Long in the past four matchups, twice this year — at the Badminton Asia Championships and a straight set win at the Malaysia Open.
