KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 9 (Bernama) — Rio de Janeiro Olympics silver medallists, Datuk Lee Chong Wei and diving pair Pandelela Rinong/Cheong Jun Hoong (women’s 10m synchronised platform) were announced as recipients of the Olympic Council of Malaysia’s (OCM)-Coca-Cola Olympian Awards.
It was announced by OCM president Tan Sri Tunku Imran Tuanku Ja’afar after chairing a joint committee meeting, the Award Selection Committee and OCM Executive Committee, at Wisma OCM, here today.
Not all athletes are able to be like badminton ace Chong Wei at such age, said Tunku Imran, when asked why Chong Wei was selected by the committee although the men’s doubles pair made an impact.
“Why Chong Wei? Well, it is because he managed to collect a medal in three Olympics in a row and now at his age, he is still able to provide a silver medal for the country.
“Plus, he defeated world champion Lin Dan in the semi-finals (at Rio) and I would say he is the Malaysian Usain Bolt,” said Tunku Imran.
However, the award ceremony date has yet to be decided.
“We hope it will be held very soon because we are waiting for His Majesty, the King to give a date for the OCM — Cola-Cola Olympian Award 2016 ceremony,” he said.
Both Chong Wei and Pandelela/Jun Heong will receive a cash prize of RM10,000 as reward.
Meanwhile, Tunku Imran noted that next year will be the busiest year for OCM.
“We will have the SEA Games in Kuala Lumpur, the Commonwealth Youth Games in Bahamas, Asian Winter Games in Japan.
“For selection committee meeting of the SEA Games, it will be held in March where we will have the first list of athletes selected,” he said. — Bernama
