GEORGE TOWN - National badminton legend Datuk Seri Lee Chong Wei, who has been conferred the Darjah Gemilang Pangkuan Negeri (DGPN), which carries the title "Datuk Seri", says he is grateful for the recognition and motivated to give back to the sport.
"I received the Datukship title in 2008 and now the 'Datuk Seri' title.
"I thank the state government for once again awarding me the title. I am grateful to Penang for encouraging me over the years," he said when met after receiving the Darjah Gemilang Pangkuan Negeri (DGPN), which carries the title of "Datuk Seri" during the 84th birthday celebration of Yang di-Pertua Negri Tun Ramli Ngah Talib at Dewan Sri Pinang in George Town on Wednesday (July 30).
The Penang native held the world No.1 men's worldwide ranking for a total of 349 weeks, including a 199-week streak from Aug 21, 2008 to June 14, 2012.
Lee said that he hoped he could give back in some way to the state and sport.
Lee, a three-time Olympic Games silver medalist, retired in 2019 after an honour-laden 19-year badminton career.
His retirement was after his doctor advised him to avoid high-intensity training to avoid a relapse of his cancer.
A total of 1,530 people received Penang state honours, medals and awards in 2025.