June Wei named as replacement for ill Chong Wei at Asian Games

KUAL A LUMPU R: The Badminton Associat ion of Malaysia ( BAM) causes a stir by listing a national back up player Cheam June Wei, number 81 in the world, to carry the nation’s challenge at the 2018 Asian Games in Indonesia next month.

The 21-year- old player will fill the void left by national ace Datuk Lee Chong Wei, who was forced to withdraw due a health problem.

BAM president Datuk Seri Mohamad Norza Zakaria said the decision was made by the Coaching and Training ( C & T) Committee after assessing several key factors besides taking into account the injury suffered by another national player Iskandar Zulkarnain Zainuddin.

“As we know, some names have been submitted and decided by C & T to be sent to the Olympic Council of Malaysia ( MOM) and we may name Cheam June Wei as a substitute.

“We ( BAM) will send his name and apply to the Indonesia Asia Sports Organising Committee ( INASGOC) to make the changes as soon as possible although the nomination process has been closed. There are exceptions to certain cases involving health problems,” he said.

He was speaking to reporters after attending the opening ceremony of the 2018 Asia Pacific Masters Game official uniform yesterday.

Among June Wei’s achievements were the Netherlands Open men’s singles title in April, as well as two runners- up in Finland Open (April) and Austrian Open (February).

Mohamad Norza conceded that the absence of Chong Wei has major impact on the medal target placed on the national badminton squad in Indonesia.

“We previously targeted three medal of any colour, but since Chong Wei’s withdrawal, the target was changed to two medals.”

Meanwhi l e , he said the development of Chong Wei’s health would only be announced in three weeks to one month from now.

“I always keep in touch with him and currently he is undergoing treatment so it is best that we let him do so and give him the space and opportunity to spend time with his family,” he said.