Datuk Lee Chong Wei was Malaysia’s ‘virtual’ chef de mission for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, as he did not travel to Japan for health reasons.
In good health now, the former world No. 1 badminton player remains close to the sporting scene. He even met Malaysia’s newly-minted Youth and Sports Minister, Hannah Yeoh, last month.
“It was good to speak to Hannah. I have high hopes for Malaysian sports, and one of my wishes for the new year is for Malaysian athletes to excel on the world stage and to see a record number qualify for next year’s Paris Olympics,” said Lee, who won silver at the 2008, 2012, and 2016 Olympics.
“Hopefully, she can assist our athletes – even those in the non-Olympic sports.”
Lee said the Olympics is the pinnacle of every athlete’s life, and if more Malaysians qualified for Paris, that could start a new sporting culture.
“Obviously, we can win medals in only a handful of sports. Different sports have their own challenges. But qualifying for the Olympics is a big achievement as not every athlete can do so,” said the former Asian champion.
“All we can ask for is that they give their best when they qualify, and hopefully, inspire the younger generation.”
Qualifiers for the various Olympic sports begin in the next few months. For badminton, it starts on May 1.
“I always get excited to see Malaysians compete in major events, especially badminton,” said Lee, winner of a record 46 Super Series titles, and one World Tour crown.
“I am confident the national badminton players can bounce back after a poor start at the recent Malaysia Open.
“Lee Zii Jia had two poor tournaments, but many players go through a bad spell, from time to time. That is normal.
“I am sure he will recover from the setbacks.”
Zii Jia lost in the first round of the Malaysia Open on Jan 11, and the second round of the India Open, a week later.
Asked if his namesake needed to hire a coach – Zii Jia parted ways with Indonesian Indra Wijaya in November – Lee said it was not for him to decide.
“I cannot say Zii Jia must hire a coach. Every player is different. Having a coach does help, but that is something he has to decide for himself,” said Lee.
“If Zii Jia thinks he needs a coach, he will get one when the time is right.
“Luckily, he has not lost any qualifying points for Paris, but losing early in those two tournaments will hurt his confidence. That is never a good thing.
“However, I am confident Zii Jia has it in him to bounce back,” Lee added.
