Lee Chong Wei says BAM performance role demands adaptation
Lee Chong Wei says generational differences make his BAM performance role challenging, while urging players to value discipline and experience.
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Datuk Seri Lee Chong Wei says chairing the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) Performance Committee has been challenging, particularly when decisions involve players from a different generation. The former world number one men’s singles player said he has had to keep learning and adapting as he works to bring about change.
Speaking in the second episode of Ngopi Dengan Zafrul, hosted on YouTube by BAM president Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz, Lee said he frequently sought the president’s views before making important decisions. Lee was appointed committee chairman on 18 October 2025.
“It’s not easy because the generation (of badminton players) is not the same now, I learnt a lot from this generation,” he said. He added that he regularly called Tengku for advice and discussed decisions with the president, noting that making decisions as performance committee chairman was not easy.
Accepting criticism and giving back
Lee said he was prepared for public criticism if he believed a decision served the interests of national badminton. “There will be public reaction, I accept all the public noise because you want to do the right thing, while some people may not agree,” he said.
The three-time Olympic silver medallist also explained why he became involved with BAM after retiring in 2019. He wanted to give back to the governing body, which had supported him during nearly two decades with the national squad.
He said he had learned from today’s players, despite the differences between their generation and his.
Advice for players and national sport
Lee urged players to treat discipline as essential to success at the highest level. He said their careers were limited and that improving performance required sacrifices, including maintaining fitness and physical strength.
He also reminded players not to waste the opportunities available while they are still competing. Advice from people with greater experience, he said, should be taken seriously.
Beyond the national squad, Lee called for greater private sector involvement in developing sport. He said government assistance alone might not be enough to meet the needs of different sports, pointing to Japan, China and South Korea as countries where private companies help develop sport and sponsor athletes and teams.
Source: Malay Mail. This article was compiled by the iBET.news newsroom from the source report and other public information.
