It’s Commander Lee of the navy reserve unit

KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Lee Chong Wei is now an honorary commander in the Royal Malaysian Navy Volunteer Reserve Unit.

The World No. 1 shuttler was awarded the rank of Commander (Honorary) Thursday. He received the rank of Lieutenant-Commander (Honorary) on May 1, 2012.

Chong Wei described the new rank as an inspiration for him to perform his best in the upcoming Denmark and French Open Superseries tournaments.

“I would like to thank the navy for this award. This award is an inspiration for me to work harder for the country,” he said.

Chong Wei, who was accompanied by his wife Datin Wong Mew Choo, will head to Odense, Denmark, on Oct 15 for the Superseries event that offers a cash prize of US$700,000.

The Penang-born athlete was among 41 people who received their promotions at a ceremony at KD Sri Gombak here Thursday.

Navy chief Admiral Tan Sri Ahmad Kamarulzaman Ahmad Badaruddin said the promotion was in honour of Chong Wei’s achievements.

“The award of the rank Commander is to appreciate the hard work and outstanding achievements of Chong Wei in badminton,” he said.

“We in the navy feel very fortunate to have an Olympian in our force,” he added.