Badminton

Chong Wei says don't waste time, prepare for 2028 Olympics now

KUALA LUMPUR: Three-time Olympic silver medallist Datuk Lee Chong Wei urged BAM to start planning for the 2028 Los Angeles Games immediately.

Malaysia failed again to win an Olympic gold when the badminton competition ended in Paris on Monday.

However, Malaysia won two bronze through men's pair Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik and singles player Lee Zii Jia.

Chong Wei stressed the importance of having a plan and sticking to it. "The badminton competition in Paris is over, and we need to start planning now.

"We cannot dilly dally, wait one or two years before starting to look ahead. I believe the other nations will be planning as soon as possible too.

"We must also look at the current set-up and, if necessary, make changes now. We cannot change things every two years and expect consistent results."

Chong Wei said if changes are made to the set-up frequently, it will disrupt preparations and affect the players.

He added that for players to get used to a new coach's training programme, it could take six to nine months. If there are frequent changes, it will be difficult to get consistent results at Olympic level.

"To get used to a new coach is not easy, the coaches, too, need to get to know the players' characteristics.

"But sometimes after a year, if the coach has no results, we will let them go. That's why if you want to make changes, make them now and stick to a long-term plan."

The former world No. 1 said BAM should get a former professional athlete to run the show. He cited the example of South Korean Park Joo Bong who turned Japan into a powerhouse as their head coach.

"We need to bring in someone at the management level who understands the sport and how to work with coaches.

"Rexy (Mainaky) is the coaching director but if the management says no to his plans, then it's not good.

"An alternative is to let Rexy have more freedom in determining the plans, but he has to be accountable if the targets in four years are not met."

Most Popular
Related Article
Says Stories