Chong Wei, Lin Dan to be inducted into BWF Hall of Fame

The official ceremony will be held at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre on May 26.

Both shuttlers, hailed among the greatest in the sport, will finally receive this recognition awarded to the best in the business.

Both men began their careers at the turn of the millennium and gradually stamped their class above the rest, fighting for every major title in the sport.

Lin Dan memorably won five world championships and two Olympic gold medals, while Lee had three silver World Championships medals and also finished second to the Chinese at the 2008 and 2012 Olympic final.

Lee was however dubbed the ‘King of Superseries’ as he finished his career with 47 Superseries/World Tour titles and hogged the world number one rank for 349 weeks.

Lee-Lin’s rivalry was also always a captivating affair, attracting millions of Malaysians every time.

In total, 'Super Dan' boasted a 28-12 win record against Lee, but the Malaysian did have his moments of victory.

One of their all-time classic showdowns took place in Rio De Janeiro at the 2016 Olympics semi-finals, which Lee triumphed in three heart-stopping games.

Lee retired in 2019, while Lin Dan hung up his racquet a year later.

BWF President Poul-Erik Hoyer, a former men’s singles great himself, hailed both shuttlers for transforming the sport.

“Lee Chong Wei and Lin Dan were among the foremost ambassadors of badminton over a major part of the last two decades. With their outstanding performances, they drew whole generations of fans to the sport. They both richly deserve to be included in the Hall of Fame,” he said.