Lee Chong Wei feels both honoured and elated after being named as the Malaysian flag bearer for the Rio Olympics in August this year.
The decision to name Chong Wei was made by the Olympic Council of Malaysia at its board meeting held at Wisma OCM.
Chong Wei who is in Jakarta spoke exclusively to this blog after the decision was made.
"It is truly an honour and words cannot describe how I feel right now," said Chong Wei.
" As a sportsman this is something we look forward too and being given the opportunity finally is a dream come true for me.
" I will carry the Jalur Gemilang with pride , the same as I wear it on my chest when on the Badminton court."
This will be Chong Wei"s third and most likely final Olympics, having participated in Beijing 2008 and London 2012, both of where he won a silver medal.
Chong Wei said the with Badminton being played in the later stage in Rio ( Badminton starts on August 11 while opening is August 5) this gave him an opportunity to participate in the opening ceremony.
" This will be my first as a flag bearer in any multi sports event having participated in the Olympic, Asian and Commonwraltj Games," said Chong Wei.
" I must thank the Sports Minister Khairy Janaluddin, OCM, KBS and BAM for their faith in me."
Badminton will lead the way for Malaysia at the Rio Olympics as the two front men will both be from the sport,
" Badminton is honoured to have two personalities leading the nation on Rio. The selection of Chong Wei as the flag bearer and Tan Sri Al Amin as the Chef De Mission is truly a reflection of confidence in the duo and a recognition to Badminton as a sport," said Dato Sti Norza Zakaria who is the Deputy President of BAM and OCM
Chong Wei is hoping to regain the world number one ranking this week by winning the Indonesian Open,
And his cause was further given a boost as China"sLin Dan was sent packing in second round Indon Open by Jonathon Christie , losing 21-12,21-12.
