SEPANG: Only eight days more and our national athletes will begin their quest to earn medals for Malaysia at the Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games in Brazil which officially starts on Aug 5.
The 32 athletes, well aware of the responsibility to bring home a medal haul particularly Malaysia’s first Olympic gold medal, hope that local sports fans would unceasingly encourage and pray for their success.
National badminton ace Datuk Lee Chong Wei admitted that it would not be an easy task but said he was more prepared this time compared to his performance at the London olympics, four years ago.
The London Olympic silver medallist is banking on Malaysians’ continuous support for him and other athletes in realising the country’s first gold medal.
“I know Malaysians are pinning their hopes on me. I will do my best and this is possibly my last appearance at the olympics.
“I also hope supporters will pray for us to be able to perform our best; many of them have been encouraging me on Twitter, Facebook and media.
“I will do my best,” he told reporters at Kuala Lumpur International Airport late last night.
Echoing Chong Wei’s hope for Malaysian sports fans’ support, weightlifter Mohd Hafifi Mansor said he was excited about his debut in the olympic games.
“I am very excited to take up the challenge, and very happy that my family from Terengganu is also here with me in KLIA,” he said.
The country’s badminton squad, Mohd Hafifi and Olympic Games contingent head Tan Sri Al Amin Abdul Majid left for Brazil on a 2am flight. -- Bernama