Author: Ma Yafei
Editor: Zhang Xiaoya
Kuala Lumpur, 26 May - According to the Badminton World Federation, badminton legends Lin Dan (China) and Lee Chong Wei (Malaysia) were selected into the 2023 Badminton World Federation Hall of Fame.
(Photo source: Xinhua News Agency)
The selection ceremony was held on Friday, 26 May, at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Center.
“Lin Dan and Lee Chong Wei represent the highest level of men's singles in the world badminton field at that time,” according to the World Badminton Association official webiste.
Since starting their career competing in high-level international competitions in the early 1920s, the two have continuously left their mark on the badminton industry until retiring in 2019 and 2020 respectively.
In their professional careers, they have reached 5 Olympic finals and 10 World Badminton Federation World Championships finals, which is an important symbol of their dominant position in the badminton world.
Rashidah Abdul Asar (22), a local student from Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), said: “As a Malaysian, I couldn't be more proud of Lee Chong Wei. He is an inspiration to the entire nation and his achievements have put Malaysia on the global badminton map. To see him honoured in the Hall of Fame is a special moment for all Malaysians. And of course, Lin Dan's achievements speak for themselves - both players have left an indelible mark on the sport.”
Lee Chong Wei and Lin Dan have created many records in their long career. Lee Chong Wei won 47 championships of the World Badminton Federation Super Series and World Tour, and won the first place in the world in 349 weeks.
Lin Dan's performance in major events is unparalleled, having won the men's singles championship at the Olympics twice and won five world championship titles successively.
They have not only achieved incremental success on the course but have also inspired millions of fans around the world. Their introduction into the Hall of Fame is well-preserved recognition for their tremendous contributions to the sport.
The student from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), Hu Xinchen (21), said: “I’ve been a fan of both badminton players for many years, and they have encountered so many exceptions to the sport. Lin Dan’s incremental skills and field determination on the course were truly unmatched. And Lee Chong Wei’s grace and sportsmanship made him a role model for aspiring players. Their introduction into the Hall of Fame is a test to their hard work and interpretation.”
In addition, their performance in team championships also plays a crucial role in the performance of their respective national teams.
But they will be remembered not only for their success in the competition. World Badminton Federation President Paul Eric Hoye praised the influence of these two players on badminton.
It's clear that the induction of Lin Dan and Lee Chong Wei into the Badminton World Federation Hall of Fame has left a lasting impression on fans and enthusiasts alike. Their remarkable careers and contributions to the sport will continue to inspire generations to come.
