Main image via Olympics

Malaysians know Lee Chong Wei and Lin Dan as badminton icons, from their rivalry to their friendship and now the Olympics is honouring that special relationship too!

When Viktor Axelsen defeated Chen Long in the badminton Olympic finals, the pair exchanged their shirts as a symbol of respect.

“During the men’s single badminton final last night we witnessed the beautiful continuation of a tradition started five years ago at Rio 2016,” the caption wrote.

“After winning gold at #Tokyo2020, Viktor Axelsen of Denmark traded shirts with silver medallist Chen Long of China as a symbol of respect to his opponent and fellow badminton star.⁠”

The Olympics then posted a video of Lee Chong Wei and Lin Dan’s iconic moment after their match and honoured them saying, “take a look at the beginning of the tradition” and signified the legends starting the special tradition at the Olympics.

Take a look at the beginning of the tradition between legendary #MAS Badminton player Lee Chong Wei, and double Olympic champion from #CHN, Lin Dan. pic.twitter.com/B1SnivbvJP

— Olympics (@Olympics) August 3, 2021

Many fans said that they miss watching the two badminton players compete at major tournaments and events.

Others said that the two players will always remain as legends in the world of badminton.

Lee Chong Wei announced his retirement in June 2019 due to health reasons and Lin Dan announced his in July 2020, saying “pain and injuries no longer allow me to fight with my teammates.”

We will definitely miss the two legends and their epic matches but we can’t wait to see our new stars rise up and take the spotlight in the world of badminton once more!

Info via Olympics / Instagram