Lee Chong Wei Cup offers RM100,000 prize pool as former world No. 1 backs next generation

Pahang, Aug 11 — A grand trophy befitting the inaugural Lee Chong Wei Cup (LCWC) Badminton Championships awaits its first victor from Aug 29 to Sept 6. This handcrafted masterpiece, weighing 12.5 kilograms and standing 60 centimetres tall, is a testament to Datuk Seri Dr Lee Chong Wei's legacy and passion for nurturing the next generation of Malaysian badminton talent.

The trophy, a fusion of gold-plated brass and solid teak wood, was unveiled in a simple yet poignant ceremony here. Inspired by Chong Wei's illustrious career, the trophy's design embodies the values of determination, discipline, humility, and resilience. Its curved form symbolises momentum and endurance, while the racket and net motifs stand for precision, technical mastery, and focus.

A striking three-dimensional shuttlecock points upward, signifying the aspirations of young players to reach the pinnacle of their sport. Chong Wei, the founder of LCWC, revealed that his motive behind the tournament is to nurture a new generation of Malaysian badminton players and elevate them to greater heights. "This is my dream and my passion.

I want to give back to my country and the association by helping develop Malaysia's young generation," he said at a press conference for the trophy's unveiling. The LCWC offers a substantial RM100,000 in prize money, setting a new standard as the most lucrative junior badminton tournament prize pool in Malaysia. The competition will feature three age categories – Under-13, Under-15, and Under-17 – for both boys and girls in singles, doubles, and mixed doubles formats.

The tournament will also employ the 15x3 scoring system, set to become the new standard on the Badminton World Federation World Tour in the coming year. Lee Chong Wei, a former world number one for 349 weeks, including a remarkable streak of 199 consecutive weeks from 2008 to 2012, boasts an impressive career with three Olympic silver medals and 69 BWF titles to his name.