KUALA LUMPUR – Former world number one Datuk Lee Chong Wei may no longer be part of the Road to Gold (RTG) programme for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, but the Malaysian badminton legend remains committed to contributing behind the scenes.
Speaking to Scoop recently, the 42-year-old retired shuttler emphasised his belief in the programme, calling it an invaluable national service.
Last month, Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh announced that the new RTG committee for the upcoming Olympics would be unveiled next year.
The previous committee, established ahead of the 2024 Paris Olympics, featured other Malaysian sports icons, including former national hockey captain Datuk Mirnawan Nawawi and eight-time squash world champion Datuk Nicol David.
“First of all, I want to express my gratitude to YB Hannah for not only establishing this programme but also including individuals like me in the committee,” said Chong Wei.
“Throughout my career as an athlete, my focus was solely on playing the game. Being part of the committee allowed me to see things from a different perspective. It was a completely new role and a valuable experience.
“I dare say the programme has been a success. We achieved so much in preparing our national athletes for the Paris Olympics. When you compare us to successful sporting nations like Japan and South Korea, we are moving in the right direction.
“The Malaysian government has done so much for me as an athlete, and I will forever be grateful. I will continue to give back, even if it means working behind the scenes,” he added.
The RTG committee, established in April last year, convened for the final time this year last month.
The meeting was chaired by the sports minister and Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM) president Tan Sri Mohamad Norza Zakaria, who jointly headed the top-up initiative to the National Podium Programme.
It was reported that the RTG’s audited expenditure for 2023 totalled RM4.083 million, while expenditure for 2024 is projected to reach RM13.2 million, as revealed in Parliament on November 7.
Under the Supply Bill 2025, RM10 million has been allocated to ensure the programme’s continuity.
A total of 10 national athletes from badminton, cycling, weightlifting, and diving benefitted from the RTG programme during the first Olympic cycle. – December 16, 2024