LEE Chong Wei is a name synonymous with the Jalur Gemilang worn on the chest of every Malaysian athlete of this generation and in the hearts of this country's people.
What can I say? Truly, words cannot describe his contributions to our nation.
He is the only Malaysian I know who can make time stand still, everytime he plays, be it at the Olympics, the World Championships or any other major competition. And had our hearts in our mouths too, every other time.
I have been around Chong Wei since my time at the Kuala Lumpur Badminton Association.
I got to know him more in 2012, and then better in 2014, when I was the Badminton Association of Malaysia deputy president and chairman of the Coaching and Training Committee. It was also in 2016, when I followed the team to the Rio Olympic Games.
I’ve always had a great relationship with Chong Wei. Ups and downs, I've seen it all.
The first earth shattering news came in 2014. He had failed a doping test.
For him, it was a fall from grace. He became so small and vulnerable, but I made the choice to stand by him.
He was at his lowest, even his world ranking fell to No 180.
But through thick and thin, we stuck together, got him the best defence and lawyer.
After eight months, Chong Wei was back. He immediately took part in the US and Canada Opens, to get his world ranking back up.
Despite all the challenges, Chong Wei made sure Malaysia stood tall in the eyes of the world, and he never failed us.
I once even saw a “mak cik” reciting a doa for Chong Wei to win, and it was in that moment I realised that regardless of colour, race, religion, politics and other differences, he brought everyone together.
Unfortunately, there was going to be a limit. There is only so much one can do and fighting destiny was not one of them.
It was last year that Chong Wei was forced to face his biggest test, when he was diagnosed with early stage nose cancer.
Being the fighter that he is, he came back after seeking treatment. He wanted to show the world so badly that he could do it again.
Perhaps it was fated, so that everyone would understand the burden he had to carry all these years. As an individual, there was just too much reliance on Chong Wei.
It is sad, because he leaves a very strong legacy. It is also sad, because his contributions have been monumental.
Just like every Malaysian, I, too, had mixed feelings when we spoke about his retirement.
But I also feel happy and privileged, because here is a man, who was able to call it quits on his own terms.
For many, Chong Wei is a very successful person but let us not forget his humble past. Watch his movie and you will know the pain he had to go through.
I do not want this to be the end though. I wish to see his legacy institutionalised.
I also hope for Chong Wei to remain amongst us, to chart the future of Malaysian badminton and to help us find his replacement.
There’s still unfinished business as far as winning the Thomas Cup, World Championships and Olympic gold medal, is concerned.
No doubt, we will all miss the King of Super Series. To our legend, our national icon and hero, in our eyes, you are the best in a generation of great players. The whole of Malaysia must now start to face the future without you as a player.
On behalf of BAM's council, coaches, players and staff, I take this opportunity to thank you, Chong Wei, for all the contributions and memories.
Lee Chong Wei’s perseverance and attitude made him a king of the courts.