KUALA LUMPUR: Former world No 1 Lee Chong Wei has been named as the flag-bearer for the Malaysian contingent at the 2016 Rio Games in August.
The 34-year-old shuttler was chosen by the Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM) following its board meeting at Wisma OCM today.
This will be Chong Wei's first time as a flag-bearer for the country after having participated in three previous Olympics (2004, 2008 and 2012).
"I believe this is the right move because this will likely be his (Chong Wei) last Olympics. Badminton athletes also represent one third of the total athletes who have qualified for the Games," said OCM deputy president Datuk Seri Norza Zakaria.
"This is the first time that badminton will be represented in all five disciplines.
"Another reason is we hope that this opportunity will motivate him more as he aims for the elusive gold medal. He was not given this chance before so it is only right for him."
BA of Malaysia (BAM) acting president Tan Sri Mohamed Al Amin Abd Majid was earlier appointed the Chef De Mission (CDM) for the Games.