The Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) has warned that it will not bow to any pressure or threats from the players. BAM Performance Committee chairman Datuk Seri Lee Chong Wei said the players should not forget the contribution of the governing body, which has shaped them from the early stages of their careers by providing training, facilities and a development environment before they emerged as big names in the world of badminton.
Lee Chong Wei said that winning big titles like the World Championship is not a license for any player to put pressure on associations that have played an important role throughout their careers.
“Where do these players come from? Where did they train when they were young? They trained at ABM (Akademi Badminton Malaysia). From having nothing to now having something, who helped them? BAM.”
“If you just win the world title and then use that to put pressure on the association, I don’t think the association is afraid. With the new BAM management, we are not afraid. I can say that directly,” said Chong Wei when contacted.
Lee Chong Wei commented on reports involving national men’s doubles player Soh Wooi Yik, hinting that he will consider all options, including the possibility of turning professional, to ensure his partnership with Aaron Chia remains intact and to realize their dream of winning a gold medal at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Aaron and Wooi Yik’s futures have come into question following a shake-up of the national men’s doubles coaching line-up led by Herry Imam Pierngadi last month, which has tested several partnerships with different players.
The world No. 4 pair proved they still have what it takes as a partnership when they finished runners-up at the World Championships in New Delhi last Sunday.
They lost to Chinese pair Liang Wei Keng-Wang Chang in the final, but the achievement strengthened the argument that the Aaron-Wooi Yik combination is still capable of competing at the highest level.
However, leaving BAM was not an easy decision for Aaron-Wooi Yik as both players are still under contract with the national body until 2028. The decision to leave could leave them facing huge compensation claims, as well as the possibility of being banned from competing in international tournaments.
Lee Chong Wei said players should use the right channels if they encounter problems, instead of using the intention to leave BAM as a way to pressure the association.
“Don’t say you want to leave BAM or anything like that to put pressure on the association. With the new BAM management, we are not afraid.”
“We can discuss everything. If you want something, sit down and discuss how we can help. We have to help. We will provide the best service,” he said.
He said that BAM is always open to discussions with players to find the best solution, but the relationship between players and the association must be based on mutual respect.
“If a player has already made a decision about something, he can discuss it first with the coach, or discuss it with Rexy Mainaky (dual training director). If you don’t like something, discuss it.”
“But don’t use it to pressure the association. That’s unacceptable,” he said.
Article Tag: lee chong wei, soh wooi yik, aaron chia, herry ip, 2028 los angeles olympics
Published by Ligaolahraga.com at https://www.ligaolahraga.com/badminton/lee-chong-wei-ancam-para-peler-yang-tak-mau-tunduk-pada-aturan