KUALA LUMPUR — Inspired by the success of Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) under the stewardship of the Regent of Johor, Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim, Malaysian badminton legend Datuk Lee Chong Wei is keen to support the growth of the sport in the southern state.
Speaking to Scoop following an audience with the Johor ruler on Tuesday, Chong Wei expressed his gratitude for being named one of Johor’s sports advisors for badminton.
He emphasised that all parties, including the state administration, share a common goal—to inspire the next generation to take sports seriously.
“I am truly honoured to be appointed by the Regent of Johor as a sports advisor. From my playing career to my retirement in 2019, my journey in badminton has been ever-evolving,” said Chong Wei.
“Before my audience with His Royal Highness, I met with Johor Chief Minister Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi and State Youth, Sports, Entrepreneur Development, Cooperatives, and Human Resources Committee chairman Mohd Hairi Mad Shah.
“We had a productive discussion about Tunku Ismail’s vision for sports in Johor and how we can work together through this ambassadorship to inspire the younger generation.”
Previously, in a Q&A session with JDT fans, Tunku Ismail named Chong Wei, alongside New Zealand rugby legend Sonny Bill Williams, former UFC champion Khabib Nurmagomedov, and Australian football great Tim Cahill, as sports advisors for Johor. More sporting icons are expected to be announced in due course.
A three-time Olympic silver medallist and world No. 1 for a record 349 weeks, Chong Wei praised Tunku Ismail’s dedication to JDT, highlighting it as a model for success in any sport.
“To win the league title 11 times in a row is an incredible achievement. Such dominance is rare in any sport because sustaining that level of success is not easy.
“Most athletes would struggle to maintain their hunger and drive after winning so much. But JDT’s players continue to perform at the highest level week in, week out—this is only possible with strong discipline.
“Through this ambassadorship, Tunku Ismail wants to expand his sporting vision beyond football and get more young people in Johor involved in sports. I am honoured to be part of this initiative and will do everything I can to contribute,” said Chong Wei, who also sits on the National Sports Council (NSC) board.
The former Road to Gold (RTG) committee member added that he will work closely with Onn Hafiz, Hairi, and the Johor Badminton Association to determine his immediate responsibilities as an advisor.
“I will be in regular contact with the Johor Chief Minister, the state Youth and Sports chairman, and the Johor BA. Since I will be travelling between Kuala Lumpur and Johor while managing various commitments, time management will be crucial.
“Once I have a clearer understanding of the state’s programmes, I will carry out my duties accordingly,” he said. – March 19, 2025