Kuala Lumpur: An assessment from the badminton legend Lee Chong Wei sheds light on the concerning state of Malaysian badminton, prompting reflections on its future.
Expressing his apprehensions after the national team’s mixed performance in the Badminton Asia Team Championships at the Setia Alam Convention Centre, Lee Chong Wei voiced his fear for Malaysian badminton’s trajectory. The men’s team lost their title to a weakened China team in the final, exposing deficiencies in men’s singles depth and challenges in doubles matches against lower-ranked opponents.
Ng Tze Yong, recovering from a back injury, was fielded while Lee Zii Jia faced health issues. Notably, players like Justin Hoh and Cheam June Wei, for various reasons, were not part of the team.
The women’s team, unable to advance beyond the quarter-finals, underscored the gap in standards compared to other Asian teams.
Lee Chong Wei said, “I know the truth hurts, but I think Malaysian badminton will only go downhill from here if nothing is done. Right now, I feel like giving up on Malaysian badminton.”
Acknowledging setbacks with top singles players and concerns about the depth of backup players, Lee Chong Wei stressed the need for honesty and corrective measures. He emphasized that discipline and commitment from players were crucial, drawing parallels with successful athletes like Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Cristiano Ronaldo.
The badminton legend also called for a shift in management’s approach towards younger players, advocating for continuous exposure to tournaments even if they face higher-ranked opponents.
“It’s a process. Here, if the youngsters lose, they are put in cold storage. How are they going to develop their game?” Lee questioned, urging a change in mindset.
Drawing on his extensive 25-year experience in the sport, Lee Chong Wei urged for drastic changes to prevent Malaysian badminton from falling behind. He concluded with a poignant statement, “I really can’t bear to face that,” emphasizing the urgency of addressing the challenges for the sport’s sustained success in Malaysia.
