GEORGE TOWN: National shuttler Datuk Lee Chong Wei wants to start a badminton stadium for young talents to develop and hone their skills.
This is how the silver medallist at the London Olympics is planning to use his winnings and incentives.
"I want to create a badminton culture in which proper training can be provided to young players," he said after receiving a cheque for RM100,000 from the Penang Water Supply Authority (PBAPP) for his Olympic feat yesterday.
On Sunday, he had received RM500,000 from the National Sports Council and the federal government presented by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak.
"I will channel the money to my academy and set up a badminton stadium," he said.
Chong Wei hoped the academy would churn out a new crop of top players.
He said he initially thought he would not make it to the final because of an ankle injury.
"I thought I could rest after the match with Chen Long as I was in a serious pain. I cried at the court every time I warmed up before a game," he said.
"I pictured myself resting for a day before playing for third and fourth placing if I had lost to Chen Long.
"I was shocked to make it to the final against Lin Dan.
"I gave it my best shot although I had had not been playing for two months."
Chong Wei said that besides the World Championship, the Commonwealth Games and SEA Games, he would be focusing on a tournament in China next month.
Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng, who handed over the cheque, said that despite the second placing in the Olympics, Chong Wei still won the hearts of Malaysians.
He said the Penang government was proud of Chong Wei's achievement as he had shown fighting spirit during the final.
