FOR mixed doubles shuttler Goh Liu Ying, her appointment as Malaysia's flag bearer for this year's Tokyo Olympics is a recognition for all female athletes.
The 32-year-old is only the second Malaysian female to be handed the task of leading the national contingent at the Olympics.
She will be doing so jointly with reigning All England champion Lee Zii Jia.
Diver Pandelela Rinong became the first Malaysian female flag bearer when she led the contingent at the 2012 London Games.
Liu Ying, who will be making her third Olympic appearance, said: "I see this as one for the history books. Being named flag bearer has very little bearing on any results at the Olympics, but it is a huge recognition for an athlete... more so because I am a woman.
"It is a huge recognition for us female athletes, who work just as hard as any of our male compatriots.
"And for that, I am very proud. I must thank the Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM) and the Sports Ministry for trusting and appointing me as the flag-bearer for this year's Games."
Jokingly, Liu Ying admitted she made the right call by not calling it quits earlier.
"Honestly, I didn't know if I was going to continue playing after the Rio Olympics.
"However, now that I'm appointed flag bearer, I'm happy I made the decision to stay on," added Liu Ying, who makes up the World No 7 pairing with Chan Peng Soon.
This year's Olympics, despite its limitations due to Covid-19, will be a special one as the Malaysian contingent will be led by two flag bearers.
Liu Ying will be accompanied by Malaysia's current poster boy, Zii Jia.
Zii Jia replaced archer Khairul Anuar Mohamad who turned down the initial offer.
Two other Malaysian shuttlers who had the privilege of leading the Malaysian contingent at the Olympics were Razif Sidek in 1992 (Barcelona) and retired former World No 1 Lee Chong Wei (Rio).
The opening ceremony of this year's delayed Games will take place at the Tokyo Olympic Stadium on Friday.