KUALA LUMPUR – Living in the digital era, legendary national badminton player Datuk Lee Chong Wei advised young shuttlers to reduce their social media usage.
He said this when speaking to reporters at the Axiata Arena before the Malaysia Open semi-finals.
“I hope that the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) youngsters spend less time on social media and more time on their training.
“I see some players reach for their phones before taking a sip of water, they go for their phone before lifting the racquet,” he said after the Legends’ Vision exhibition match.
Chong Wei said young and upcoming players should devote their time on the court, prioritising their badminton career.
“I understand that we now live in a time of social media, but I am saying it would be beneficial if the time spent online is reduced.
“When you see something good about yourself online, it feels good. But when there is something negative, it can distract you and break your concentration,” he added.
He emphasised that this is merely advice for the next generation of national shuttlers, and not a strict warning.
“It depends on each player, I am not saying you have to listen to me.
“But with everything happening on social media, it is more important to concentrate and focus on your career in badminton.”
After the exhibition match with badminton icons Taufik Hidayat from Indonesia, South Korea’s Lee Yong-dae, and Danish shuttler Peter Gade, Chong Wei passed a symbolic “racquet” to rising shuttler Ng Tze Yong.
Meanwhile, when asked about the prospects of him taking on a coaching role at BAM, Chong Wei said he would serve Malaysian badminton once again when the time is right. – The Vibes, July 2, 2022.
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