THE specially commissioned 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 March 18, 2023.
Lee’s wax figure will be showcased in The Champions Zone, alongside other sports stars such as renowned football players Cristiano Ronaldo and David Beckham; legendary basketball great Yao Ming; and famed professional boxer Manny Pacquiao, who is also the zone’s most recent addition.
Madame Tussauds presented a unique exhibition in Kuala Lumpur prior to the wax figures’ journey to Hong Kong. Together with Lee, Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh and Youth and Sports Deputy Minister Adam Adli also attended the event.
“I’m delighted that Madame Tussauds Hong Kong has commissioned a wax figure of Lee, our nation’s pride.
We are truly so proud of our national sports hero and congratulate Lee on attaining this global recognition. The Youth and Sports Ministry is committed to unleashing our country’s sports potential, and I hope Lee’s achievements serve as a reminder and motivation for them to strive for excellence,” commented Yeoh.
Meanwhile, Madame Tussauds, Hong Kong Cluster general manager Eric Mak said, “It is one of the great milestones we’ve achieved to house Lee’s wax figure here—a significant addition to The Champions Zone, which sets to inspire young generations to pursue their dreams regardless of the tough hurdles they must overcome.”
According to Mak, Lee is living proof that success comes with determination and persistence, and his team wants to immortalise his spirit.
Moreover, commemorating this historical moment, Lee donated his Yonex jersey from his final Olympic performance in Rio 2016. The wax figure wears 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.
Furthermore, 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.”
In total, Lee held the title of best badminton player for 349 weeks, including 199 consecutive weeks. He has won 69 Super Series championships and served as chef de mission for the Malaysian Olympic team in Tokyo in 2021. With three silver medals, he is also the most successful Olympian for his country.
“I am so excited to see my doppelganger standing in Madame Tussauds Hong Kong. It is my honour to be featured alongside other legendary sports heroes. The team has put in a lot of time and effort creating this wax figure, and I can’t thank them enough for this recognition of my badminton career,” he added. — March 3, 2023
