Chong Wei's biopic rises to the occasion

KUALA LUMPUR: It was truly a Lee Chong Wei show.  

The world premiere of the badminton icon's biopic – Lee Chong Wei: Rise of the Legend – certainly lived up to its hype as more than 20,000 fans turned up to catch the highly-anticipated movie at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil on Friday (March 9).  

The mega screening was certainly one of its kind.

The massive turnout ensured the film, which was shown via a specially-built giant 40m x 17m giant screen, etched its name not only into the Malaysia Book of Records, but the Asia Book of Records as well.  

Prior to the screening, Chong Wei made a grand entrance with wife Wong Mew Choo, flanked by the couple's two children Kingston and Terrance, to thunderous cheers.  

Chong Wei, who is preparing for his All-England title defence next week, was elated with the occasion.  

"I feel honoured to be here tonight in the presence of 20,000 people, it feels extra special even though I've played in front of a big crowd many times," said Chong Wei.  

"I want to thank all for supporting the movie. 

"I never thought this day would come, and this movie would come to fruition.  

"The director had approached me since the London Olympics in 2012, but it was only after the 2016 Rio Olympics that the project took off.  

"I was over the moon. I didn't think the story of Lee Chong Wei could be produced into a movie."  

Youth and Sports Minister Khairy Jamaluddin led the long list of notable guests that included Badminton Association of Malaysia president Datuk Seri Norza Zakaria and Sidek brothers Misbun, Jalani and Rahman.  

Khairy hailed Chong Wei on stage by saying: "You have been a true hero of our nation. Your story will be told for generations to come."  

Misbun Sidek, the national singles chief coach who played a big part in Chong Wei's career including leading him to the first of his three Olympic silvers at the 2008 Beijing Games, said: "I believe this meaningful movie about Chong Wei, the best shuttler ever of his generation, will inspire many Malaysians from all walks of life."  

For the 20,000 fans, it was surely a memorable evening as they left the show feeling fulfilled.  

Not only were they among the first to watch the movie, they were also treated to the extended version, which will not be shown in cinemas nationwide starting next Thursday (March 15).  

The director's cut runs for 133 minutes while the official movie runs for 110 minutes.