Lee Chong Wei admits BAM performance role ‘not easy’ as he adapts to new generation

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 31 — Lee Chong Wei, the renowned former world number one men's singles badminton player, has acknowledged that his role as the chairman of the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) Performance Committee has not been easy. Appointed in October 2018, Chong Wei has highlighted the challenge of making decisions for players from a different generation.

The generational gap between today's players and those of his era has made implementing changes a complex task, requiring constant learning and adaptation. Chong Wei often turned to BAM president Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz for advice and discussion before making vital decisions. He emphasized that it was not easy to make decisions as the performance committee chairman and stressed the importance of prioritizing the best interests of national badminton.

Chong Wei, despite public criticism, believed that he was doing the right thing as long as he was confident in his decisions. His return to BAM after retiring in 2019 was driven by a desire to give back to the body that supported him throughout his two-decade-long career. He also highlighted the importance of discipline for badminton players aiming for success at the highest level, including maintaining fitness and physical strength.

Chong Wei encouraged players not to squander their opportunities while still competing and to value advice from those with more experience. He also called for increased private sector involvement in national sports, citing Japan, China, and South Korea as examples of countries where private companies played a crucial role in sports development and athlete sponsorship.