Lee Chong Wei admits BAM performance role ‘not easy’ as he adapts to new generation

National badminton legend Datuk Seri Lee Chong Wei says his role as Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) Performance Committee chairman has been challenging, particularly when dealing with players from a different generation. — Bernama pic

First Published: Saturday, 31 Oct 2026 11:52 AM MYT

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 31 — National badminton legend Datuk Seri Lee Chong Wei has admitted that his role as Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) Performance Committee chairman has not been easy, particularly when making decisions involving players from a different generation.

Chong Wei, who was appointed to the position on October 18 last year, said the generational differences between today's players and those of his era made implementing changes challenging, requiring him to continue learning and adapting.

The former world number one men's singles player said he frequently sought the views and advice of BAM president Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz before making important decisions.

“It’s not easy because the generation (of badminton players) is not the same now, I learnt a lot from this generation.

“I always call Tengku (for advice) and discuss with the president, sometimes as performance committee chairman, it’s not easy to make the decision,” he said in the second episode of Ngopi Dengan Zafrul, hosted by Tengku Zafrul on YouTube.

However, the three-time Olympic silver medallist said he was not afraid of public criticism when carrying out his responsibilities, provided he was confident that his decisions were in the best 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.

Chong Wei said his involvement with BAM after retiring in 2019 was also motivated by his desire to give back to the governing body, which had supported him throughout his nearly two decades with the national squad.

He also stressed that discipline was essential for badminton players seeking success at the highest level.

He said players had limited careers and needed to be willing to make sacrifices to improve their performance, including maintaining their fitness and physical strength.

The 44-year-old badminton icon also reminded players not to waste opportunities while they were still competing and to take advice from those with greater experience seriously.

On the development of national sports, Chong Wei called for greater private sector involvement, saying government assistance alone might not be sufficient to meet the needs of various sports.

He cited Japan, China and South Korea as examples of countries where private companies played an important role in developing sports and providing sponsorship for athletes and teams. — Bernama