Can Malaysia bridge the gap between football's rise and badminton's decline?

SHAH ALAM - While sporting giants experience cycles of triumph and struggle, the current trajectories of Malaysian football and badminton paint contrasting pictures.

After years of mediocrity, signs of progress are emerging.

Having once stood proudly alongside Asian powerhouses, the national football team is gradually regaining its competitive edge.

In stark contrast, Malaysian badminton faces a worrying downward trend.

Unlike the past six years where no Malaysians reached the World Tour Finals, other badminton powerhouses continue to thrive.

This lack of representation in the sport's premier event signals a decline compared to our regional competitors.

The situation is even bleaker in women's singles, where no Malaysian player has even qualified for the World Tour Finals in the past six years.

Adding fuel to the fire, badminton legend Datuk Lee Chong Wei recently expressed his fear for the sport's future in Malaysia.

Following his criticism, sports analysts offered differing perspectives on his comments and the industry's challenges.

Sportswriter Arnaz M. Khairul said that it is high time that Chong Wei voiced his concerns, echoing the sentiments many critics and followers have long expressed to the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM).

He also noted that now Chong Wei has spoken out, BAM and the National Sports Council (NSC) may finally take notice.

Addressing the country’s badminton industry, Arnaz said it is thriving.

“Local racket brands like Apacs and Felet are making waves internationally, sponsoring top professional players and seeing growth in sales.

“Private badminton courts are bustling with business, and racket shops are thriving. Malaysians still love and support badminton.

“BAM, however, seems out of touch with the industry and lacks professionalism.

"Instead of seeking government funds and sponsorships, BAM should acknowledge the reality that the rest of the industry is flourishing without relying on handouts and subsidies,” he told Sinar Daily when contacted.

He argued that instead of blaming individual players like Lee Zii Jia for dips in performance, BAM should address the lack of emerging talent and a rigid development system.

“If BAM feels he is not performing, they should focus on promoting better-performing players, which would also push Zii Jia to improve.

"Instead of blaming Zii Jia for dips in performance, BAM should be questioned about the lack of emerging players.

“Look at Indonesia, with Jonathan Christie and Anthony Ginting in the Top 10 World Rankings and seven other players in the Top 50.

“They have a robust development programme without their association president constantly appearing in the media, unlike BAM's counterpart,” he added.

Arnaz also cited that even before Chong Wei, Malaysia had Roslin Hashim as World Number 1, Hafiz Hashim as an All England Champion, and Wong Choon Hann as a World Championship silver medalist.

“From the 80s with the Sidek brothers, Malaysia had a strong production line of quality players.

"However, the current system is rigid and monopolistic, hindering the progress of players like Zii Jia who seek professionalism.

“Badminton is a professional sport, and if an association or ministry faces challenges with players wanting to turn professional, it is clear where the problem lies,” he added.

While Arnaz rebuked BAM's approach to player development, seasoned sports journalist Graig Nunis highlighted the importance of reassessing development programmes and fostering improvement within the industry.

“Chong Wei is entitled to express his opinions, and it is up to others whether they choose to heed or dismiss him.

“As part of the Road To Gold programme and in close collaboration with BAM, Chong Wei voluntarily serves as a sparring partner for Ng Tze Yong and offers advice to help him improve.

“While some may disagree with his viewpoints, I believe his intentions are aimed at fostering improvement within the industry,” he said.

Graig claimed that Malaysia must reassess its badminton development programmes.

“Why do we excel at the junior level but face challenges with players in their late teens and early twenties?

“Are we overlooking certain aspects? Perhaps players lack the drive to succeed due to lucrative national player salaries. Why are our female shuttlers encountering difficulties?

“Should we consider expanding the presence of badminton clubs, allowing BAM to focus solely on the national team?” he questioned.

Addressing the issue of Zii Jia’s inconsistency of form, Graig said it is challenging for players to maintain the consistency of legends like Chong Wei, Lin Dan, or Chen Long.

“However, Axelsen's (Danish player Viktor Axelsen) recent performances suggest he may achieve such consistency.

"Zii Jia previously trained with Axelsen, so resuming their partnership could be beneficial.

“Zii Jia must explore various strategies to enhance his performance, but time is of the essence with the Olympics approaching,” he added.

Recently, reports surfaced that Chong Wei expressed a sense of frustration, contemplating giving up on Malaysian badminton, and issued a pre-Olympics warning, stressing the necessity for significant changes to salvage the sport in the country.

In response to Chong Wei's remarks, BAM President Tan Sri Mohamad Norza Zakaria acknowledged that while Chong Wei's comment holds merit, it may not fully represent the overall performance of the current national squad.