Lee Chong Wei Criticises M'sian Players For Holidaying Before 2024 Malaysia Open
He said the players' Christmas vacations abroad prior to the tournament contributed to the team's lacklustre performance.
By Melissa Alvina - 15 Jan 2024, 08:44 AM
Cover image via Malaysian badminton legend Datuk Lee Chong Wei says the national players' subpar performance at the recent PETRONAS Malaysian Open 2024 is due to their insufficient preparation
According to Berita Harian, Lee highlighted the fact that certain players had even taken Christmas vacations abroad prior to the tournament.
"I saw on social media that some players took vacations overseas despite knowing that the Malaysian Open was scheduled to begin on 9 January. I'm not saying that you can't go on vacation, but you have to consider the timing," he said.
"They go on holiday, and by the time they come back, there's only a few days left until the tournament. As a former player, I know that you can't jump into intensive training immediately after coming back from a vacation," he added.
The former world number one also said it was important for players to make sacrifices to achieve success, adding that he used to only take one day off for Chinese New Year.
"I'm not attempting to boast about my abilities, but you can ask any coach I played under about my conduct. I knew that I had to make sacrifices to succeed," he said.
Image via New Straits Times
Lee emphasised that, unlike Malaysian players, players from other countries demonstrated a commitment to training even during festive periods
"Players from China, South Korea, and Japan don't take breaks during Christmas and the New Year; they stay focused on training," he said.
He noted that this dedication contributed to the impressive performances of these players in tournaments.
"In this Malaysia Open, you can observe the strong performances of players from China, Korea, and Japan. Those who chose to go on vacation faced challenges," he said.
Lee Chong Wei and Lin Dan during the Badminton World Federation (BWF) Hall of Fame ceremony last year.
Image via BWF Badminton
Lee said while coaches could help prepare players for tournaments, the onus was on the players themselves
"Securing one championship in a year may be normal, but maintaining ongoing success is challenging. The pivotal factor lies in the players' determination and aspirations," he said.
Reaching the rank of world number one, he added, required more than winning just one championship.
Players, he said, must consistently win seven or eight titles every year, progress to the semifinals, and compete in the finals. The only way to do this, he stressed, was by dedicating oneself to training and making sacrifices.
"This year holds significance due to the Olympics. Therefore, I hope players realise this and make a comeback," he added.
Men's doubles team Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik were the only representatives from the national squad, who made it to the quarterfinals before losing to South Korean world champions Kang Min Hyuk and Seo Seung Jae on 12 January.
Women's pair Pearly Tan and M Thinaah, as well as the mixed doubles team, Chen Tang Jie and Toh Ee Wei, were eliminated in the first and second rounds, respectively.
In the men's singles category, Ng Tze Yong was forced to withdraw from his first-round match against Japan's Koki Watanabe due to a lower back muscle injury.
