Lee Chong Wei Cup eyes bigger smash in 2027

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 29 — The Lee Chong Wei Badminton Championship Cup aims to host one domestic and one overseas competition next year, according to Datuk Seri Lee Chong Wei, who also serves as chairman of the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) performance committee. The tournament's objective is to expose young players to an international competition environment, preventing them from struggling when advancing to higher levels in the future.

At the Lee Chong Wei Cup Championship held at Juara Stadium, Bukit Kiara, Chong Wei expressed his intent to stage one local and one junior international tournament next year. As a first-time organizer, he acknowledged the learning experience associated with managing the event. Chong Wei highlighted the attention to technical aspects, including providing seating areas for both players and coaches to ensure the tournament meets professional standards.

The planning process for the tournament has been ongoing for a year, with close coordination between BAM and the organizers to avoid scheduling conflicts and capitalize on school holidays. The nine-day event encompasses under-13, 15, and 17 age categories, with a total cash prize of RM100,000. The under-17 male and female singles champions will receive RM5,000 each.

Participants register for the competition, which begins in the qualification stage. The top 32 players advance to the Grand Finals draw, featuring 64 players, followed by 32 state players who have been pre-selected.