BADMINTON today is a demanding, cut-throat sport. Once dominated by a handful of nations, it is now a truly global competition, making it harder than ever to stay at the top.
While national associations like the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) and governments can provide funding, facilities, and expert coaching, there is only so much external support that can be given.
Even corporate sponsors, who may inject additional resources, will expect a return on investment (RoI).
At the heart of it, success still boils down to the players themselves. They must roll with the punches, adapt, and push themselves to be the best. No amount of financial backing, high-performance coaching, or mental health support can replace sheer determination.
As the saying goes, you can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make it drink.
Malaysia’s shocking early exit from the Badminton Asia Mixed Team Championships (BAMTC) this month highlighted this issue. Even though BAM fielded a second-string squad, crashing out in the group stage for the first time in the history of the competition – without winning a single match – was unacceptable.
BAM acting president Datuk V. Subramaniam wasted no time in demanding answers, questioning why the national squad failed to put up a fight.
In response, the national coaches conveyed that the players feel immense pressure to perform, worrying that poor results could lead to them being dropped. Subramaniam took this concern seriously and is now looking to hire a mental health professional to support the team.
He has even engaged fellow National Sports Institute (NSI) board member Dr Tengku Fadhilah Tengku Kamalden to explore this move, acknowledging that psychological support might help address the issue.
However, one must ask – since when did fear of being dropped become an excuse? Elite sports are ruthless. If you don’t perform, you will be replaced. That is the reality.
Take former world number one Datuk Lee Chong Wei and his generation as an example. They embodied discipline, resilience, and an unbreakable will to win.
Back then, salaries were modest compared to today where some players earn up to RM2 million a year. Yet, despite having access to the best training facilities, international exposure, travel allowances, and healthcare benefits, today’s players are citing “pressure” as a reason for their poor performances.
The reluctance to turn independent is equally telling. Sources suggest that these highly paid players cannot even secure RM1.5 million a year outside of BAM, which explains why they remain under the national setup.
If BAM provides a safety net with financial stability and world-class facilities, then players must step up and deliver.
At the end of the day, the message is simple: if you can’t handle the heat, get out of the kitchen. – February 28, 2025
Fabian Peter is a sportswriter for Scoop