KUALA LUMPUR: World No. 1 singles shuttler Lee Chong Wei is a sad man.
Three years ago, his mentor and coach Misbun Sidek quit the national team.
Thursday, another of his favourite coaches – Rashid Sidek – made the shocking decision to leave the national team because he was unhappy with the changes in the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) under the leadership of Tengku Tan Sri Mahaleel Tengku Ariff.
The 30-year-old Chong Wei has asked BAM’s management to review their plans so that coaches will not leave in a huff.
“I am really sad and my heart aches. This is shocking. One after another (of the coaches) are leaving me and all because of problems with the management,” said Chong Wei when contacted in Tokyo on Thursday.
“Rashid is a dedicated coach and has served BAM for a long time. He has produced results and I’ve learnt a lot from him. Other players like Chong Wei Feng and Liew Daren also showed progress under him.
“Rashid would not have made this hasty decision if not for pressure from the management … I know what has been going on for the last few weeks. We have spoken about it.
“The BAM are always making changes and every time one or two coaches leave. The BAM did not explain why Misbun left three years ago (2010) but I hope they will have an answer for Rashid’s resignation.”
Chong Wei hopes that BAM would choose the right person to manage the coaches and players.
“It is important to choose the right person because we always face the same problem. Something must be wrong and I hope BAM will review some of their decisions. Misbun ran away, Rashid is out and now I am left with Tey Seu Bock,” he said.
“This is really sad. I may be the world No. 1 but I still need a coach. I know that the players make all the difference on the court but the coaches do play a part. They (the coaches) spend the most time with the players and understand us – our ups and downs.”
