Kuala Lumpur: Lee Chong Wei, the former world number-one badminton player, is readily available to serve as a sparring partner for Malaysia’s national players at the Academy of Badminton Malaysia (ABM). Having previously participated in training sessions with the former national men’s doubles team, Koo Kien Keat-Tan Boon Heong, Chong Wei expressed his immediate agreement when approached by ABM’s Director of Coaching, Rexy Mainaky, to assist in training the national players.
“I am more than willing to assist. Beyond boosting the players’ motivation, it introduces a different training environment as they prepare for tournaments throughout 2024.
“During these sessions, we engage in three against two (for doubles) or two against one (for singles). I partner with Kien Keat and Boon Heong.
“These training sessions also allow us to share our experiences with the national players to support their development.
“Whether such training sessions become more frequent depends on the coach. I don’t wish to disrupt the coach’s planned training program, but I am always ready to lend my assistance if needed,” he stated.
Malaysia’s former men’s doubles world No. 1 Tan Boon Heong shared the training session via a video uploaded on his YouTube channel, showcasing their collaboration against Malaysia’s top pair, Aaron Chia/Soh Wooi Yik.
They also faced off against Ng Tze Yong, the national men’s singles player, who is striving to secure a spot in the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
Lee Chong Wei emphasized that their training session was a gesture of gratitude towards the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM), acknowledging the pivotal role BAM played during their careers.
“In this way, we are expressing our gratitude for what BAM provided us during our playing days. As I often emphasize, without BAM, there is no Chong Wei,” he stated.
The Malaysia’s elite players are currently gearing up for the 2024 season, with the Malaysian Open slated to commence from January 9 to 14.
