<figure id="attachment_2837115" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-2837115" style="width: 1600px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="wp-image-2837115 size-full" src="https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/f061ef8a-lee-chong-wei-afp-120824-1.webp" alt="" width="1600" height="1000" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-2837115" class="wp-caption-text">Former national shuttler Lee Chong Wei urged fans to keep rallying behind the national team, regardless of the outcomes on court.</figcaption></figure>
PETALING JAYA: Former national shuttler Lee Chong Wei has expressed confidence in the direction Malaysian badminton is heading, commending the national team’s progress over the first half of the year.
In a Facebook post, the three-time Olympic silver medallist said he was very proud of the spirit shown by the national badminton team as they navigated a challenging yet promising start to 2025.
“The first six months have brought a mix of big-stage breakthroughs, tough lessons and steady improvements that tell me Malaysian badminton is moving in the right direction,” he said.
Chong Wei noted that national shuttlers had made strides at major tournaments, competing fiercely against top-ranked opponents and advancing to the later rounds of several prestigious events.
“It’s clear they’re working hard, refining their strategies, and showing that Malaysia is not here just to participate – but to compete at the highest level,” said the Malaysian badminton legend.
He also urged fans to keep rallying behind the national team, regardless of the outcomes on court.
“To all fans, keep supporting our team, win or lose. Your cheers and belief make all the difference. Let’s stand behind them as they prepare for the next half of the season,” he said.
Professional men’s doubles pair Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani, who are currently world No 1, and mixed doubles duo Goh Soon Huat-Shevon Jemie Lai recently pledged their commitment to the Road to Gold (RTG) programme for the 2025 cycle.
Youth and sports minister Hannah Yeoh said they would receive extensive performance-related support as they aimed to not only qualify for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, but also create history for Malaysia in the US.
Their fellow RTG participants include world No 2 men’s doubles duo Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik, Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun, top national women’s doubles pair Pearly Tan-M Thinaah and national mixed doubles duo Chen Tang Jie-Toh Ee Wei.

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