KUALA LUMPUR: It was moments before Lee Chong Wei took to the court for his Olympics debut.
But one of the world's best players was a nervous wreck, sweating profusely before his showdown with Hong Kong's Ng Wei.
"I was a mess, my coach saw I was nervous, so he called Team Malaysia's psychologist over to have a chat with me," said Chong Wei in a Facebook post.
Soon a man came to Chong Wei, held his hands and delivered his motivational speech.
"Jason, don't panic. I know this is your first time, but Jason, be strong and don't panic."
This left Chong Wei bemused. He exchanged glances with his coach and told off the psychologist.
"Weh brother, I'm not Jason lah."
The man replied, "I know. Jason is my name, I'm also very nervous. This is my first time at such a big event. So before I motivate you, I need to motivate myself."
"My coach and I broke into laughter," said Chong Wei.
"I was no longer nervous. Perhaps that was the psychologist's technique," Chong Wei shared in his message to Malaysian Olympians in Paris.
In his post, Chong Wei, a three-time Olympic silver medalist called on the Malaysian contingent to "roar like tigers" in their pursuit of greatness.
"This is our time, this is your time, this is your destiny. Go all out and leave nothing in the tank. Come on Team Malaysia! Show the world the power of our unity and spirit."
The Paris Olympics kicked off yesterday.
Malaysia's 26-member contingent is aiming to win the country's first Olympic gold.