The wax figure of former world No. 1 badminton player, Lee Chong Wei, will make its way to Madame Tussauds Hong Kong where it will be on display permanently from 18 March 2023.
Lee’s wax figure, being the first one of a Malaysian athlete to grace the halls of Madame Tussauds, will be featured in The Champions zone, joining other sports icons such as the renowned football players Cristiano Ronaldo and David Beckham; legendary basketball star, Yao Ming; as well as iconic professional boxer Manny Pacquiao, who is also the latest addition to the zone.
Said Minister of Youth and Sports Hannah Yeoh, who attended a special showcase held in Kuala Lumpur, “I’m delighted that Madame Tussauds Hong Kong has commissioned a wax figure of Lee Chong Wei, our nation’s pride. We are truly so proud of our national sports hero and congratulate Lee Chong Wei on attaining this global recognition.”
“The Ministry of Youth and Sports is committed to unleashing our country’s sports potential, and I hope Chong Wei’s achievements serve as a reminder and motivation for them to strive for excellence.”
Eric Mak, General Manager at Madame Tussauds, Hong Kong Cluster, also shared his excitement, “It is one of the great milestones we’ve achieved to house Lee Chong Wei’s wax figure here – a significant addition to The Champions zone, which sets to inspire young generations to pursue their dreams regardless the tough hurdles they must overcome. Lee Chong Wei is living proof that success comes with determination and persistence, and we want to immortalise his spirit.”
Commemorating this historical moment, Lee Chong Wei donated his Yonex jersey from his final Olympics performance in Rio 2016. The wax figure dons the Lee Chong Wei Rio Olympic Limited Edition jersey to commemorate his participation in the Rio Olympics, as well as the SHB-01 LTD LCW shoes and Yonex Duora 10 LCW badminton racquet.
Lee shared that the stance he chose for the wax figure was his signature “Ready to fight!” pose that has been seen throughout the years on thousands of badminton courts all over the world before starting any match. It represents a calm mind, a trained body that is prepared, and a heart that is determined to make Malaysia proud.
“Though I have retired from professional badminton, it is a sport that will always be a big part of my life. Seeing this wax figure evokes many wonderful memories for me and honours the career that I have dedicated my life to and shaped me into who I am today,” he said.
Lee Chong Wei holds a record of 349 weeks as the top badminton player worldwide – spending a consecutive 199 weeks at the top spot. With 69 super series titles under his belt, he was also chef-de-mission for the Malaysian contingent in the 2021 Tokyo Olympics.
He is also the country’s most successful Olympian, holding three silver medals.
