KUALA LUMPUR – “When the time is right, I will help my country,” those were the words said by national badminton icon Datuk Lee Chong Wei when asked if he would take on a coaching role at the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM).
Speaking to reporters after his Legends’ Vision exhibition match at Axiata Arena, Bukit Jalil ahead of the Malaysia Open semi-finals today, Chong Wei said it is tough for him to give a definitive answer to the question.
“It is tough for me to answer. I think I am not ready yet.
“Right now, BAM is still stable in terms of coaching so maybe it is not the right time for me,” he said.
Currently, former player Wong Choong Han is the BAM coaching director, while Indonesian Rexy Mainaky is the doubles coaching director.
“When I am ready, I will surely make an announcement.
“I will definitely help my country when the time is right for me.”
Chong Wei played under BAM for the entire 19 years of his career and said one day he will repay his dues to the national association.
“Malaysia is my country and badminton is our top sport.
“I was with BAM for a long time, so one day I will do what I can to help them,” he added.
Chong Wei was joined by fellow badminton legends Taufik Hidayat from Indonesia, South Korea’s Lee Yong-dae, and Danish shuttler Peter Gade for an exhibition match before the Malaysia Open semi-finals today.
They were joined on the court by national shuttlers Tze Yong, Pearly Tan, Thinaah Muralitharan and Shaqeem Eiman, along with young players from BAM. – The Vibes, July 2, 2022.
