JOHOR BARU: Former world No. 1 Datuk Lee Chong Wei has been appointed as Johor sports ambassador, a role aimed at inspiring young athletes and advancing the state's sporting excellence.

Johor State Sports Council (MSNJ) director Mohd Ekmaluddin Ishak said the appointment of the triple Olympic silver medallist aligns with Johor's goal of fostering a world-class sports culture.

"This is a strategic collaboration, and we will identify more sports with high potential based on current trends and Johor's sports development plan through workshops. More importantly, Chong Wei will not only inspire athletes to become great sportsmen but also better individuals," he said.

He was speaking at a press conference yesterday, following the signing ceremony between MSNJ and Chong Wei, which was also attended by Johor State Youth, Sports, Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Committee chairman Mohd Hairi Mad Shah.