Lee’s wise words

PETALING JAYA: Make sacrifices today and spare yourself from regrets in the future!

Badminton legend Datuk Lee Chong Wei has called on the country’s top players to step up and give their all in their preparations for the upcoming Paris Olympics.

The players still have three months remaining before the qualification period ends and there is a six-month window for preparations before the Olympics take place in July.

Chong Wei, who faced criticism for speaking out about some players going on holiday before the Malaysian Open earlier this month, pointed out that the prime period for athletes is very short and he hopes that they can make sacrifices during this crucial period to prevent future regrets.

“After the Malaysian Open, I said that players are not prohibited from taking holidays; they can, but it depends on the timing,” said Chong Wei, who won silver medals at the 2008 Beijing, 2012 London and 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics, at the Malaysian Basketball Association (Maba) annual dinner at Westin Hotel, Kuala Lumpur, on Saturday.

“Some were upset with my admonition, but it was based on my 19 years of experience with BAM (Badminton Association of Malaysia).

“We players might need about one week to recover and regain our form on the court after taking a few days off.

“I hope all the players can focus on the Olympics and sacrifice their time because it is a big year with the Olympics and Thomas Cup coming up.

“The most important thing now is winning the first gold for our country and their own career. After winning gold in the Olympics, you can even take a year off.

“Don’t wait until after retirement to regret for not having prepared adequately, going on holidays during the Olympic year.

“The golden time for athletes is very short, some only have 12, 10 or even only four years.

“This time you participate in the Olympics, but the next time you might not.

“So, it is crucial for every athlete to fully utilise the available time and make necessary sacrifices.”

Three tournaments have ended so far but none of the players managed to progress beyond the quarter-finals in the Malaysian Open or Indonesian Masters.

Only men’s doubles pair Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik reached the semi-finals at the Indian Open.

“It’s not that I want to scold them, but I went through it, and I hope they can listen to what they need to do.

“Sacrifices for training, rest and time with family during these six months are extremely crucial.

“I understand that family is very important, but families also need to understand that this period is the most critical for the players’ career.

“I hope the players will rise and not give up.”