KUALA LUMPUR: Lee Chong Wei said he “felt like giving up” on Malaysian badminton and warned ahead of the Olympics that “drastic” changes were needed to save badminton in the country.
AFP reported that the Malaysian badminton legend spoke after the neighboring country lost 3-0 to China in the men’s team final at the Asian Team Badminton Championships in Kuala Lumpur, Sunday (18 February).
China is far superior even though it did not field its strongest team. India lifted the women’s team crown while hosts Malaysia were knocked out in the quarter-finals.
The tournament offers points towards qualifying for this summer’s Paris Olympics.
“I know the truth is painful, but I think Malaysian badminton will only continue to decline if nothing is done,” Lee was quoted as saying by The Star newspaper.
“Right now, I feel like giving up on Malaysian badminton,” added Lee, who retired in 2019 after a long career that included three Olympic silver medals and three world championship silver medals.
The former world number 1 said Malaysian badminton authorities should do more to promote younger players, accusing current players of a lack of discipline and commitment.
“We have to make some drastic changes,” added the 41-year-old.
“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 stand that.”
