BAM back badminton icon to make successful comeback
KUALA LUMPUR: The Badminton Association of Malaysia ( BAM) are ready to support Lee Chong Wei and prepare a special training plan for him should he return to court.
BAM president Datuk Seri Norza Zakaria said that Chong Wei still feels positive about his career and is looking forward to his return.
“I told him to take it step-by-step – we’re not going to push him. He has to know his strength, capability and the level of health and physical fitness,” said Norza.
“Chong Wei will continue to train with Hendrawan and we have told Datuk Ng (Chin Chai) to discuss his needs – from BAM moving forward to how he wants to start his plans.”
“But for the moment, it’s just basic and that’s coming here and using the gym. Other than that, we will have to wait.”
Norza said the situation feels very much the same as when Chong Wei faced the doping issue that earned him an eight-month suspension in 2014.
Chong Wei had dropped to 180th in the world rankings because of the ban but quickly returned to the top with a silver medal at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics.
“We know he’s very strong hearted. He has told us of his very tough cancer treatment ordeal but now we see he has managed to overcome that difficult period.
“We’re ready to support him as he tries to get back on court.
“I was never nervous about whether he would announce his retirement today (yesterday) because his life is badminton. For the past 18 years, everyday it has been about training and going back to his family.
“He has a strict and disciplined training regime, so he misses that and now he wants to go back to train and see where it brings him.”
BAM secretary-general Chin Chai is also confident that the former world No. 1 can get back to the court and believes his presence will spur the national team.
“I’m happy to hear he will try to return to the court and play in competitions again because this will improve the atmosphere during training,” said Chin Chai.
“We don’t want to pressure him but want to let him return naturally and if he can return to the level before that, it will be good. If not, it’s okay.
“I’ve been in touch with him every week during his treatment and have gone to Taiwan to see him. I’m confident he can return to badminton.”
He added that a special training plan will be prepared for Chong Wei but it will have to wait till he returns to the court first.