KUALA LUMPUR: Goh V Shem and Tan Wee Kiong earned themselves a place in the hearts of millions of Malaysians, going down fighting in the men's badminton doubles Olympics finals tonight.
Despite losing 16-21, 21-11, 23-21 to China’s Fu Haifeng and Zhang Nam, the Malaysian pair displayed a never-say-die attitude, battling all the way until the end.
Their feat earned Malaysia's third silver medal in the Rio Olympics.
Malaysians, glued to television screens either at home or at mamak stalls nationwide, sang the duo's praises for their fighting spirit.
Timothy Upai Lindris, 26, who watched the match at Leeyas Restaurant in Bangsar, said the duo's tenacity was exemplary, and should be the standard for all Malaysia's athletes.
"It was an absolutely nerve-racking match. They tried their level best to win this competition. Win or lose, they have already made us all proud,” he said.
Nor Farhanani Noordin, 20, said V Shem and Wee Kiong displayed courage beyond expectations and deserved praise.
“I am very proud of their effort in landing silver. What's more important was the hard work they had put in.
“They performed very well and to me, they are the champions ” she said.
Boon Ng, 36, said reaching the final was in itself an achievement.
“They have done their best and their fighting spirit was laudable. They can serve to motivate the younger generation and other athletes to never give up,” he added.