Olympic Council Urges Athletes To Sue Ridhuan Tee If They're Offended By His Remarks

The Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin lecturer posted a column questioning the patriotism of athletes competing in the Rio Games and only competing in sports for monetary rewards. He also questioned why Lee Chong Wei was the only athlete who received praise following his silver medal win.

"If there are any Olympians who feel slighted by Ridhuan Tee’s statement, they can sue him. I feel that he should not simply comment on our Olympians' spirit.

Personally, I am not satisfied if there are such negative thoughts because athletes have already fully sacrificed their lives to carry the nation’s name," he was quoted saying by Berita Harian.

"I consider his comments to be very, very inaccurate and I feel angry and disappointed when I read his statement.

To suggest otherwise is something I consider to be very, very insulting and irresponsible. It is better if he does not comment on sports, because he obviously knows nothing about it," he said to Malaysiakini.

The silver medallists are Lee Chong Wei (badminton - men’s singles), Chan Peng Soon and Goh Liu Ying (badminton - mixed doubles), Pandelela Rinong and Cheong Jun Hoong (diving - women’s synchronised 10-metre platform), and Tan Wee Kiong and Goh V Shem (badminton - men’s doubles).

Azizulhasni Awang grabbed a bronze medal in the men’s keirin cycling event.