Chong Wei not ready to assume post, but prepared to assist BAM

KUALA LUMPUR - National badminton legend Datuk Lee Chong Wei does not intend to fill the singles coaching director post of Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) which was vacated by Wong Choong Hann.

The former world number one player, said he is not ready to take any full-time post with BAM considering his responsibility in the Road To Gold (RTG) programme and as a member of the National Sports Council (MSN).

"I will not accept (any post). I am not ready to hold this post (singles coaching director) as the post I am holding now is also not easy.

"For the time being, I have not thought of beocming any kind of coach, I am not ready for the BAM post,” he told Bernama when contacted recently.

Chong Wei was commenting on the views of various parties including former national doubles player Tan Boon Heong who rooted for Chong Wei to take up the post.

However, the three-time Olympic silver medalist said he was always ready to help BAM who had previously molded him into a badminton legend.

Chong Wei who is a member of the technical advisory panel of BAM said he will try to provide advice in an effort to improve the performance of national players.

"I will not forget my 19 years with BAM. If the association needs help, I must help, but only help with 100 per cent at any time, and taking on a full-time post at BAM is not possible," he said.

In the meantime, he advised BAM to find the right person to replace Choong Hann as it is now the qualifying period for the 2024 Olympic Games.

"When Choong Han resigned, it was not easy for us to find a replacement, now are tough times for the Olympics and BAM needs to act quickly to find the right person to fill the position," he said.

Yesterday BAM was reported to have begun the process of finding a replacement for Choong Hann, 46, who resigned as director of singles coaching last week, ending his nearly five-year tenure with the governing body. - BERNAMA