Lee Chong Wei “want to give up” Malaysian badminton

KUALA LUMPUR, February 20, 2024 (BSS/AFP) – Lee Chong Wei says it “feels like giving up” on Malaysian badminton, and says there is no way to save the country’s game ahead of the Olympics. He warned that “radical” changes were needed.

The Malaysian badminton great said this after Malaysia lost 3-0 to China in the men’s final of the Asian Team Championship in Kuala Lumpur on Sunday.

Even though China didn’t have the strongest team, they were far better. India won the women’s tournament, but host country Malaysia failed to make it past the quarterfinals.

It was a competition where ranking points for this summer’s Paris Olympics were at stake.

“I know the truth is painful, but I think if nothing is done, Malaysian badminton will only go downhill from here,” Lee said, according to a report in the Star newspaper.

“I want to give up Malaysian badminton for now,” added Lee, who retired in 2019 after a career that included three Olympic silver medals and three World Championship silver medals.

The longtime former world number one said Malaysian badminton authorities needed to do more to promote young players, accusing them of lacking discipline and dedication.

“We need to make fundamental changes,” the 41-year-old added.

“Otherwise, we will be left behind, far behind, and badminton will no longer be one of the top sports in this country.

“I really can’t bear to face it.”