Chong Wei holds court as ambassador

Chong Wei (seated right) signing the official appointment letter. With him are Kah (seated left), Goh (standing left) and Ng.

BADMINTON icon Datuk Lee Chong Wei has been named the ambassador of the Penang Bad­minton Association’s (PBA) 100th anniversary celebration.

PBA president Datuk Kah Kau Kiak, who made the announcement, said the Penang-born legend had accepted the role after signing an appointment letter in Kuala Lumpur.

The ceremony was witnessed by Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) secretary-­general Datuk Kenny Goh, vice-president Datuk Ng Chin Chai, who is also Negri Sembilan Badminton Association president, and PBA secretary Leong Kin Yew.

“Chong Wei’s involvement is a huge morale booster for the centennial celebration,” he told state publisher Buletin Mutiara.

PBA will host a grand banquet on Nov 22 at the SPICE Arena in Penang to commemorate its 100th anniversary.

Kah said Lee had received his training from PBA at a very young age.

“He has made countless contributions to Penang’s badminton scene and played a significant role in the state’s badminton development.

“Even after achieving international fame, Chong Wei has never forgotten the training and support he received from PBA.

“He has always engaged with Penang’s badminton community.

“His gratitude and appreciation for his roots are truly heartwarming and he serves as a great example for future generations of players,” said Kah.

Founded in 1925, PBA is Malaysia’s oldest badminton organisation, established even before the Badminton World Federation.

Over the past century, the association has nurtured numerous world-class badminton players while also playing a crucial role in promoting the sport.