Malaysia is without a medal in badminton at the 2018 Asian Games. This is the Malaysia's worst showing in badminton since 1990 Asian Games. Malaysia's hopes were vanquished by two Indonesian pairs in the quarter finals. Yesterday, I had hoped for a miracle, but alas, a rigid strategy and mistakes made at crucial moments cost us dearly.
Is the future bleak for Malaysian badminton? Will Malaysia bounce back from this shattering defeat?
For too long, Malaysia has relied too much on the legendary Lee Chong Wei. Despite many heartbreaking final defeats in the Olympics and World Championships. he has always saved us the blushes by contributing vital points in Thomas Cup and the Sudirman Cup, as well as winning medals in Asian Games or the Olympic Games, as well as Open titles when other Malaysian compatriots failed win any titles. Malaysia is desperate to produce another Lee Chong Wei, but as of now, no one has the potential to do so.
Malaysia simply has no backup players capable of taking over from their senior players. Except for women's singles, where Goh Jin Wei is showing great promise, younger players are simply unable to catch up with their seniors. We have already fallen behind other great badminton nations. Malaysia had a spectacular 2016 Olympics but fast-forward two year later, we have not made much progress. Our Olympic medallists, (both mens' doubles and mixed) have peaked.
Allowing Liew Darren to compete in Asian Games was a mistake. If we don't give the young ones some exposure to major tournaments, they won't be able to coup up with the pressure of competing in major competitions such as the Olympics, Thomas/Uber Cup or even the Asian Games. Liew Darren's commendable performance to finish with a bronze at the World Championships is no easy feat. But to deny our young players a chance of playing in a big competition will cost them experience of playing in such an important tournament in future.
The Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) should think long term success. As a nation which prides itself with badminton as one of its best sports, Malaysia should aspire to win that elusive Olympic and World Championships gold medal. Our neighbouring Indonesia and Thailand have done it. The new badminton powerhouse Japan has done it. BAM should engage former medallists to train the younger players and not rely solely on coaches. Players themselves will know how they once felt in their shoes and how they made the breakthrough to success as well as pitfalls they encountered.
Malaysia's badminton future doesn't look very bright. Without Lee Chong Wei, we have nobody to turn to for a medal. Our young players lack experience facing the top guns. Our best players are past their prime and ageing. Honestly, I feel our BAM is inefficient for not addressing these problems much earlier. However, the night is darkest before dawn. We can only hope that our younger shuttlers have the commitment and ambition to restore Malaysian badminton to its former heights, if not take it to the next level.