Source:REUTERS/Chalinee Thirasupa
[Saba Sports News] Lee Chong Wei, chairman of the Performance Committee of the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM), expressed his dissatisfaction with the current status of Malaysian men’s singles players. In an interview, he stated that while a stricter approach may upset some players, it is necessary for the development of both senior and young players.
Lee, known for his strict routines during his playing days—which included going to bed by 10 PM, attending training sessions in all weather, and waking up at 5 AM to train alone on public holidays—does not expect current players to match his level of discipline. However, he hopes they can remain focused and cultivate a disciplined lifestyle. He also wishes for the Malaysian national badminton team to demonstrate his signature spirit of hard work and discipline.
To this end, Lee discussed the implementation of relevant plans with the coaching team to foster a culture of accountability and self-discipline. On another note, Lee defended the decision to send young players to compete in the Badminton Asian Team Championships held in Qingdao last week, explaining that the Malaysian men’s team had already qualified for the Thomas Cup based on world rankings. The coaching team never expected the young players to win; participating was merely a process for them to gain valuable experience.