The Malaysian contingent entering the Maracana Stadium at the Opening Ceremony of the XXXI Olympiad in Rio de Janeiro.

After two weeks of competition, the first Olympic Games to be held in South America will draw to a close later today in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.  The Malaysian team had their best ever performance at an Olympics by winning 4 silver medals and one bronze medal.

We congratulate our badminton players in Men’s single Datuk Lee Chong Wei; Mixed doubles Chan Peng Soon and Goh Liu Ying; Men’s doubles Goh V Shem and Tan Wee Kiong; divers Pandelela Rinong and Cheong Jun Hoong; as well as cyclist Azizulhasni Awang for their achievements in Rio 2016.

Silver medalist in Men’s singles badminton – Datuk Lee Chong Wei (left) with other winners.

Although the Olympics gold medal for Malaysia is still elusive, our athletes have nevertheless won the hearts of the nation by giving their very best!  We are thankful to them, their coaches, team members and families for the sacrifices made over the years.

Overall, Asean countries did well in the Rio Olympics.  Down south, swimmer Joseph Schooling did Singapore proud by winning his country’s first Olympic gold medal.  Indonesia also won gold in badminton. Thailand won six medals in total including two golds; and the Philippines won a silver medal.

Silver medalist in Mixed doubles badminton – Chan Peng Soon and Goh Liu Ying.

Silver medalist in Men’s doubles badminton – Goh V Shem and Tan Wee Kiong.

It is often said that the true spirit of the Olympics is not in winning, but in participating – competing among the best athletes in the world in a friendly, respectful manner.  In so doing, the real winner at the Olympics is humanity.

Well done to all organisers and participants of the XXXI Olympiad in Brazil.  We wish you continued well-being throughout life.

Silver medalist in Women’s diving – Pandelela Rinong and Cheong Jun Hoong with other winners.

Bronze medalist in cycling – Azizulhasni Awang.

Singaporean swimmer Joseph Schooling won his country’s first Olympic gold medal.