Children meet Lee Chong Wei at launch of his badminton academy

MEETING their sports idol, Datuk Lee Chong Wei, in person definitely brought cheer to young shuttlers, and residents of several orphanages.

The children could not contain their excitement the moment the emcee announced the arrival of Chong Wei. He was there for the launch of the Lee Chong Wei badminton academy. Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) president Datuk Seri Norza Zakaria launched the academy on Saturday.

Some of his fans took the opportunity to take selfies with the national hero.

For 10-year-old Foong Pak Lam, it was a dream come true as he got the opportunity to play a badminton match with the world number two.

Oldtown Group managing director Lee Siew Heng (right) presenting the mock checque to Chong Wei for the scholarship fund to the academy. — Photos: SAIFUL BAHRI/The Star

The pupil from SJK(C) Poi Lam said all this while, he only saw the national hero on television, but never expected that he would be able to see him in person, and get the opportunity to play with him.

“It was definitely exciting when I got selected together with my friend Shafiq Hishamudin, 13, to play doubles against our hero.

“Despite losing 5-1, I am proud to have scored one point against one of the world’s best players,” he said.

 

Chong Wei played a total of six matches with selected young shuttlers from the academy.

As for M. Dhariga Devi, 13, from Praise Boys and Girls Home, she said if she had the chance, she wanted to play badminton and join the academy.

Chong Wei shaking hands with a student who was selected to have a badminton game with him at the opening ceremony of the academy in Ipoh.

“I do play the game with my friends at the home because badminton is my favourite sport.

“I hope to be a good player like Chong Wei one day,” she added.

SMJK Poi Lam student Phuah Yeong Zhen, 16, said he was unable to describe his feelings after meeting his idol.

Phuah, who represented his school in badminton, said he wished to become a good player like Chong Wei someday.

“Prior to this, I have only seen him on television, and this is my first time meeting him in person,” he added.

At the event, Old Town White Coffee contributed RM1mil to the academy as a scholarship fund.