Twentytwo13

Badminton lovers take leave from office, ‘work from Axiata Arena’ to catch Malaysia Open

After being denied world-class badminton for over two years, fans flocked to Axiata Arena in Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur in droves, for the ongoing Malaysia Open, with several taking annual leave to catch the action.

Two badminton lovers even quipped they were “working from Axiata Arena”.

A large crowd arrived at 9am, an hour before the first matches of the day. Some held ‘picnics’ in the surrounding areas in between matches, as the Malaysia Festival, held outside the stadium, is a foodie’s delight.

There were long queues for the food trucks and kiosks inside the stadium.

Siti Zaleha Kamaruddin, 28, who came to the stadium with Karina Shamsuddin, said she applied for three days’ leave (yesterday until tomorrow) and would be at the venue this weekend, even “if no Malaysians are involved”.

“I have always been a big badminton fan. (Datuk Lee) Chong Wei is my hero. I was so sad when he retired (three years ago).

“Since then, I have followed (Lee) Zii Jia. I hope he can win his first Malaysia Open title this year,” said Siti Zaleha, a secretary in a law firm.

“I wanted to be here on Tuesday, but we had an important meeting in the office. I enjoyed the matches yesterday. I hope Zii Jia meets Viktor (Axelsen) in the final.”

Siti Zaleha said Axelsen is another favourite, as the Dane is “good looking” and has “good crosscourt shots”.

Like Siti Zaleha, Keith Sim also applied for leave for the duration of the Malaysia Open.

The accounts clerk, who plays badminton three times a week, said he always attends badminton tournaments in the Klang Valley.

“I am from Penang. Of course, Chong Wei is my idol. Now, I do not have any favourites. I am happy as long as a Malaysian player wins,” said the 33-year-old.

“I have worked in the Klang Valley for more than nine years. Since moving here, I have been to every Malaysia Open until 2019. Watching Chong Wei win the title in 2014, 2016, and 2018, are among my most cherished memories.”

Two other badminton fans – who requested to be identified by their first names, Kenneth and Terry – said they are “working from Axiata Arena”.

“Why do you want to interview me?” asked a suspicious Kenneth, who was lugging a laptop.

When told it was for an article about badminton fans, Kenneth, who works in human resources, replied: “Actually, I am ‘working from home’. Please do not use my picture or full name.”

Nanti boss tau, I susah! (Later, if my boss sees it, I will be in trouble.)

“I came to watch the (South) Korean players in action. I love all things Korean. I decided to come to cheer for them – if they do not play against Malaysians.”

Terry, who works for a multinational company, said today was his last day at the event.

“I would love to be here for the duration, but I am going away for a holiday tomorrow,” said the 27-year-old.

“I am a casual fan, and this is the first time I bought tickets for a tournament.

“It can get tiring as the matches can drag on. Nonetheless, it was a great experience.”

The Malaysia Open 2022 is one of the five Super Series Premier tournaments under the Badminton World Federation calendar. The tournament offers a prize money of US$675,000.

In the 2019 Malaysia Open, Lin Dan and Tai Tzu Ying won the men’s and women’s singles crowns. The 2020 and 2021 editions were cancelled following the Covid-19 pandemic.