Array
(
    [_edit_lock] => Array
        (
            [0] => 1708513115:21
        )

    [tdc_dirty_content] => Array
        (
            [0] => 1
        )

    [tdc_icon_fonts] => Array
        (
            [0] => a:0:{}
        )

    [_edit_last] => Array
        (
            [0] => 21
        )

    [_post_language] => Array
        (
            [0] => English
        )

    [_molongui_author] => Array
        (
            [0] => guest-97702
        )

    [_molongui_main_author] => Array
        (
            [0] => guest-97702
        )

    [td_post_theme_settings] => Array
        (
            [0] => a:2:{s:14:"td_primary_cat";s:3:"601";s:11:"td_subtitle";s:82:"BAM chief points to men’s team runner-up performance at recent BATC as a success";}
        )

    [_yoast_wpseo_primary_category] => Array
        (
            [0] => 601
        )

    [_yoast_wpseo_metadesc] => Array
        (
            [0] => The concern expressed by Datuk Lee Chong Wei regarding the state of Malaysian badminton has merit, but it does not reflect the overall performance of the current national squad, according to Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) president Tan Sri Mohamad Norza Zakaria.
        )

    [_yoast_wpseo_content_score] => Array
        (
            [0] => 30
        )

    [_yoast_wpseo_estimated-reading-time-minutes] => Array
        (
            [0] => 3
        )

    [_yoast_wpseo_wordproof_timestamp] => Array
        (
            [0] => 
        )

    [post_views_count] => Array
        (
            [0] => 230
        )

    [_thumbnail_id] => Array
        (
            [0] => 170345
        )

    [post_views_count_7_day_arr] => Array
        (
            [0] => a:7:{i:0;a:2:{s:4:"date";i:0;s:5:"count";i:0;}i:1;a:3:{s:4:"date";s:10:"1752570055";s:5:"count";i:1;s:14:"per_hour_count";a:1:{i:9;i:1;}}i:2;a:2:{s:4:"date";i:0;s:5:"count";i:0;}i:3;a:2:{s:4:"date";i:0;s:5:"count";i:0;}i:4;a:2:{s:4:"date";i:0;s:5:"count";i:0;}i:5;a:2:{s:4:"date";i:0;s:5:"count";i:0;}i:6;a:2:{s:4:"date";i:0;s:5:"count";i:0;}}
        )

    [post_view_7days_last_day] => Array
        (
            [0] => 1
        )

    [post_views_count_7_day_last_date] => Array
        (
            [0] => 1752570055
        )

    [post_views_count_7_day_total] => Array
        (
            [0] => 1
        )

    [post_views_last_24_hours] => Array
        (
            [0] => 1
        )

    [post_views_last_48_hours] => Array
        (
            [0] => 1
        )

)
Chong Wei’s concerns justified but not reflective of team’s overall performance: BAM | Scoop
Badminton legend Datuk Lee Chong Wei had told an English-language daily that 'drastic changes' were needed so that Malaysian badminton doesn't get left behind as a top sport. – Alif Omar/Scoop pic, February 21, 2024
Sports

Chong Wei’s concerns justified but not reflective of team’s overall performance: BAM

BAM chief points to men’s team runner-up performance at recent BATC as a success

Bernama
Updated
6:58 PM MYT

 

KUALA LUMPUR – The concern expressed by Datuk Lee Chong Wei regarding the state of Malaysian badminton has merit, but it does not reflect the overall performance of the current national squad, according to Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) president Tan Sri Mohamad Norza Zakaria.

He added that BAM is intensifying efforts to prepare the national team for the 2024 Paris Olympics.

However, Mohamad Norza said BAM can’t make drastic changes now as there are only a few months left before the games begin on July 26.

“I spoke with Chong Wei yesterday, and he is concerned for our players. I told Chong Wei that it’s a concern of everyone.

“But as I commented before, we did not do badly at the Badminton Asia Team Championships (BATC), as we finished runners-up (men’s team) despite unexpected injuries,” he said when contacted by Bernama today.

Mohamad Norza said BAM is always in contact with Chong Wei, who is also a member of the Road to Gold (RTG) committee and the badminton team manager for the Paris Olympics.

He hoped that the three-time Olympic silver medallist would be able to serve full-time to share his skills and mentor the national squad in the future.

“We are always in touch because he is part of RTG and part of our discussions in preparing the badminton team for the Olympics. Perhaps what he doesn’t see (at the moment) is the many backup players (in the team).

“Whatever the decision, we hope that maybe after the Olympics he can join BAM. We take good feedback from Chong Wei but it is better for him to give his input from within the BAM framework,” he said.

He said Chong Wei’s commitment to elevating badminton in this country should be appreciated. With his expertise and 19-year journey marked by numerous accomplishments on both domestic and international stages, his contribution stands as a testament to his enduring commitment.

“I welcome it wholeheartedly because Chong Wei is an authority who can speak on this matter. If it was someone not connected to the sport, I would indeed be concerned, but he is an authority,” he said.

Yesterday, the singles legend said he was fearful about the future of Malaysian badminton after the national team’s mixed fortunes at the recent BATC.

“We have to make some drastic changes … if not, we will be left behind, left far behind and badminton will no longer be one of the top sports in this country. I really can’t bear to face that,” The Star quoted the 41-year-old Chong Wei as saying.

The national men’s squad failed to retain the team title when they lost 0-3 to China in the final at the Setia City Convention Centre, Shah Alam.

The country’s top two players, Lee Zii Jia and Ng Tze Yong, had to skip several matches, including the final, due to health issues and injuries.

The national women’s squad lost 0-3 to defending champions Indonesia in the quarterfinals. – February 21, 2024

Topics

 

◉ Popular

Homecoming for Hans Isaac as Finas returning chairman

His predecessor Datuk Kamil Othman has new role as industry advisor to help navigate technological challenges

American faces trial for causing death in nightclub fight

A technician from the United States pleaded not guilty at the sessions court here today to a charge of causing the death of a local man at an entertainment outlet last month.

Kuala Lumpur soars in 2024 Smart City Index, ranks 73rd worldwide

Kuala Lumpur has climbed 16 spots to become the world’s 73rd smartest city out of 142 cities, according to the 2024 Smart City Index released by the Institute for Management Development's Smart City Observatory recently.

◉ Related

Copyright © 2023. All rights reserved.