BAM TO SWING THE AXE

Chong Wei hints several national players may be dropped

WORLD No 7 Lee Chong Wei has hinted that several men’s singles shuttlers, including Soong Joo Ven and Soo Teck Zhi, could be dropped from the national squad.

The 36-year-old said these players have remained stagnant despite the numerous chances given to prove themselves.

“BAM have given them too many chances, yet they have not improved. These are not players who are between the ages of 1620. They are already 23 or more,” lamented Chong Wei when met at the Academy Badminton Malaysia (ABM) in Bukit Kiara yesterday.

“To me, a player by that age should already know what is required of them. They have been provided with the best facilities and everything, but they still can’t win. Perhaps it’s their mental state... I don’t know.

“I understand that BAM will be dropping some players, so let’s see what the coaches decide,” added Chong Wei, who is still the go-to man, for international honours.

Last week, Chong Wei proved why he is still Malaysia’s No 1, when he continued his perfect winning streak at the Thomas Cup in Bangkok, even beating the likes of reigning world champion Viktor Axelsen of Denmark.

Chong Wei, when asked to comment on the future of Malaysian men’s singles, said: “I think players like Lee Zii Jia and Leong Jun Hao, have got what it takes to be future stars, but they must work hard for it.

“Badminton is a sport that requires a lot of skill, and I see that in Zii Jia, who has good physique, and Jun Hao through his explosive play on court.

“However, without hard work, your talent would mean nothing. Comparing myself to them, they are lucky to have been given the chance to take to court in a tournament like the Thomas Cup, at such an early age.

“When I was about 19, I didn’t get a chance to play, but I was sitting behind watching my teammates, dreaming of the day when I would play some of the top players in the world. The fire in me started then.

“I hope players like Zii Jia, Jun Hao and a few other talented youngsters who came along as sparring partners, learned from what they observed at the Thomas Cup.

“Players like Axelsen, Kento Momota (Japan), Kenta Nishimoto (Japan), Anthony Sinisuka Ginting (Indonesia) and Jonatan Christie (Indonesia) are young players who are already up there among the best in the world.

“Our players must accept that these are their opponents, just like how Lin Dan and Chen Long were among the players from my generation.

“You must work hard to reach a higher level, and only then can you play against opponents of this standard.

“Zii Jia is 16 years younger than me, and I won’t be playing at the next Asian Games as I will already be 40. I want these young players, who are about 20 to 21, to replace me one day.

“Together with the coaches (Misbun Sidek, Hendrawan, Indra Widjaya and Sairul Amar Ayob), we will do our part in helping these players improve. The players must also do their part.”

BAM have given them too many chances, yet they have not improved. These are not players who are between the ages of 16-20. They are already 23 or more

National badminton player