Badminton, Rio 2016

Hendrawan hopes it will be third time lucky for Lee Chong Wei

National badminton singles coach Hendrawan is banking on Datuk Lee Chong Wei to end his miserable run at the Olympic Games and win Malaysia’s first ever gold medal in Brazil.

The Indonesian coach cannot be happier that the world’s best badminton player is feeling healthy and confident for his fourth and final Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro next month.

“Chong Wei injured his ankle a couple of months before the Olympics in London and spent most of his time recovering rather than training,” Hendrawan said as quoted by The Star.

Photo Credit: Berita Harian
Photo Credit: Berita Harian

“He is at the peak of his health, in the best of form and fully prepared for the tournament.

“He was young and less experienced four years ago, but now he is much more matured.

Lee Chong Wei lost the finals at the Olympics in Beijing and London in the last eight years to long-time rival Lin Dan, but Hendrawan believes the Chinese will not stand in his way now.

Photo Credit: Lin Dan
Photo Credit: Lin Dan

“Whether Lin Dan is in his half is not important because he must be willing to beat anyone.

The other badminton players that will be competing in Brazil are Goh V Shem-Tan Wee Kiong, Tee Jing Yi, Vivian Hoo-Woon Khe Wei and Chan Peng Soon-Goh Liu Ying.

The two-time Olympic Games silver medallist will be the flag bearer for Malaysia in Rio.

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