KUALA LUMPUR — Birthday boy Datuk Lee Chong Wei is the gift that keeps on giving, even long after his retirement from badminton.
The former world number one, who turns 42 today, has pledged to donate thousands of racquets, nets, and shuttlecocks to underprivileged and Indigenous children across Malaysia next year, continuing to give back to the sport that shaped his life.
Speaking to Scoop, Chong Wei revealed plans to collaborate with his long-time sponsor, Yonex, and Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh to bring the initiative to life.
“Badminton made me who I am today, and I’ve always dreamt of giving back to society,” said the three-time Olympic silver medallist.
“A few months ago, I donated signed racquets, nets, and shuttlecocks to orang asli children in Kampung Buloh Telor (Kuala Kubu Bharu), after being approached by YB Hannah. This inspired me, and I’m planning to expand the initiative next year with support from the ministry and Yonex.
“Rather than focusing on just one village, I aim to give away thousands of racquets nationwide.
“I want to meet these children and hopefully inspire them to take up the sport. Badminton can be an expensive game for some communities,” added Chong Wei, who currently serves on the National Sports Council (NSC) board and is a key member of the Road to Gold (RTG) programme.
Chong Wei’s wife, Datin Wong Mew Choo, surprised him with an early birthday celebration yesterday.
Their two sons, Kingston and Terrance, also entertained the guests with a surprise Michael Jackson dance routine.
“I was stunned—I had no idea they could dance like Michael Jackson. My wife planned it all. I thought the boys were just attending classes when they went out before this, but they had been secretly practising for this,” laughed Chong Wei.
Arguably one of the greatest badminton players of all time, Chong Wei retired in 2019 after a battle with nose cancer. — October 21, 2024