Kuala Lumpur: Malaysia’s World No. 1 badminton superstar Lee Chong Wei who is battling a knee injury he sustained during a training session last Saturday, was unhappy with how Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) handled the slippery condition of badminton mats at the new Academy of Badminton Malaysia (ABM) in Bukit Kiara.
“The injury could have been avoided,” said Lee.
“Chong Yee Han fell last week, and I’ve told Hendrawan about the slippery condition. I had to be extremely careful and I was not comfortable playing on the new mats,” added Lee.
“Hendrawan then informed Morten Frost and Lawrence Chew, but BAM did not take any immediate actions.”
Lee revealed that after he had injured himself, BAM only decided to replace 3 out of the 18 mats.
“The accident had been completely avoidable should BAM had taken corrective actions after complaints from players about the slippery condition.”
“I asked them to transfer the old mats from Stadium Juara to the new academy, however, the calls were ignored.”
“After I fell, my first thought was I didn’t want to end my career in this fashion.”
“I would not have been this angry if I got injured under other circumstances, but I was injured because BAM did not take immediate remedial action about the slippery mats. I am frustrated and disappointed!”
BAM’s general manager Lawrence Chew has since issued an apology to Lee and has assured to improve the training condition in the new academy.
“We would have liked to see Chong Wei win the All England, and I’m sorry that Chong Wei is hurt,” said Lawrence Chew.
