‘Kampung’ shuttle hero reaches world summit

TANGKAK: Resident s o f Kundang Ulu village, near here, hail national men’s badminton doubles player, Tan Wee Kiong, as their hero and icon after his string of successes at the international level this year.

After winning the silver medal with his partner Goh V Shem at the Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in August, the Kundang Ulu- born once again did his village and country proud when he won the 2016 World Superseries Finals title in Dubai, United Arab Emirates on Monday.

He and V Shem beat Japanese duo Kamura Takeshi- Keigo Sonoda, 21-14, 21-19.

Their exploits over the past few months have also elevated them to become the world’s number one men’s doubles pair.

Tan Ching Hwa, Wee Kiong’s uncle, said thei r fami ly in Kampung Kundang Ulu was once again so proud and delighted with Wee Kiong’s world championship victory and now as the country’s number one doubles pair.

“I am proud of Wee Kiong’s victory, not boastful about it but amazed at his earnest effort and fighting spirit that he has performed well on the world stage,” he told reporters yesterday.

Ching Hwa said he knew his nephew as one who would not easily give up and was diligent since small.

“Although after completing his primary education at Sekolah Jenis Kebangsaan Cina Kung Yung, here, he moved to Kuala Lumpur to continue his studies at the Bukit Jalil Sports School, I’ve always followed his developments and would not miss watching him on television in the matches he played, including last night’s,” he said.

Ching Hwa said the people of Kundang Ulu, regardless of race, were proud and impressed with Wee Kiong’s achievements in badminton.

A villager, Jaffar Shaari, said although no specific recognition had been given to Wee Kiong, he and all the villagers regarded Wee Kiong as Kundang Ulu hero and icon.

“As someone from this village, I am truly proud of Wee Kiong’s triumph and hope he will have more success in the badminton sport,” said Jaffar, who is a close friend of Wee Kiong’s father, Tan Cham Swee.

“To me, Cham Swee is an important badminton exponent in this village.

“I remember that 20 years ago, on his own effort, he built a badminton court using forest wood and zinc for the roof in front of his house.

“Many villagers, irrespective of race, played badminton there and I was the umpire for the villagelevel matches at that time,” he recalled.

Jaffar said Cham Swee was responsible for unearthing and developing Wee Kiong’s early talent which had made him a badminton champion today as he was the first to introduce the sport to his son when he was seven years old. — Bernama ATHLETICS “There you go. I ’ m the greatest.” - Usain Bolt on securing his ‘triple triple’ of 100m, 200m and 4x100m relay golds at the Rio Olympics “I have to make a new bucket list now. I’ve achieved all I wanted to in track and field.” - Jamaican sprint star Bolt “I don’t consider myself a traitor. I simply revealed the shameful truth, which our country doesn’t want to confront, and the only reason I told the truth about it all, was to try and put a stop to it.” - Whistleblower Yulia Stepanova who exposed Russia’s statebacked oping programme SWIMMING “This is how I wanted to finish my career. I’ve lived a dream come true. 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I am proud of Wee Kiong’s victory, not boastful about it but amazed at his earnest effort and fighting spirit that he has performed well on the world stage. Tan Ching Hwa, Wee Kiong’s uncle