2019 is somewhat a bittersweet year for sports fans when two of Malaysia’s sporting legends announced their retirement from professional squash and badminton – Datuk Nicol Ann David and Datuk Lee Chong Wei.

Although they’ve retired, the steady stream of awards seem to keep coming in.

Both Nicol and Chong Wei were recently conferred the “Prime Legacy Honours” award by IPEC Global Legacy, reported Astro Awani.

IPEC Global Legacy is a platform to celebrate the best and brightest benchmarks in legacy by individuals from various professions and communities. The organisation singles out icons and phenomenal geniuses from around the region and the world.

So, it's a no-brainer to acknowledge both sporting legends.

Lee Chong Wei after the award ceremony.
Both Commonwealth Games gold medalists were awarded for their passion and dedication in sports, as well as inspiring millions of people.

“I’m very happy. Congratulations to Nicol for receiving the award too. This is the first time I’m given an award alongside Nicol” Chong Wei told Astro Awani.

“Too bad Nicol couldn’t be here to receive the award because she’s currently overseas. Nicol and I worked very hard and I’m pleased to receive this award.”

So proud!
The Olympic medalist also added that he hopes that this award will inspire the younger generation to work harder in order to receive recognition.

Congrats to both of them, you guys will forever go down in history as Malaysia’s (and the world) GOATs!