KUALA LUMPUR – Former world number one Lee Chong Wei has added his voice to growing concerns over the Badminton World Federation’s (BWF) demanding tournament schedule after U.S. women’s singles player Zhang Beiwen opened up about her mental and physical struggles.
Beiwen, currently ranked world number 15, shared an emotional social media post detailing her battles with isolation, financial strain, and a lack of support while navigating the relentless BWF World Tour as a self-funded athlete.
“It’s been a long, lonely road,” wrote 34-year-old Beiwen. “While many players fight to keep their ranking high, all I want to do is drop out. Every tournament feels like a battle I’m fighting alone.”
She highlighted incidents where she was unable to find warm-up partners, even at her home tournament, the U.S. Open.
“Players tend to stick to their own groups. Over the years, I’ve faced judgment and strange looks. It’s been incredibly lonely.”
Beiwen also criticised the BWF for dismissing her medical concerns without proper inquiry, adding that the rigid tournament obligations were taking a severe toll on her mental and physical well-being.
Her heartfelt post has reignited criticism of the BWF’s Top Committed Players Obligation, which requires players ranked in the top 15 in singles and top 10 in doubles to participate in 12 to 13 World Tour events annually, excluding major tournaments and team events.
Three-time Olympic silver medallist Lee Chong Wei sympathised with Beiwen’s plight and called for Malaysian players to appreciate the robust support system they enjoy.
“Players like Viktor Axelsen and I have spoken out many times about the hectic and unforgiving schedule, but nothing has changed,” Chong Wei told Scoop.
“My heart goes out to Beiwen. I’ve known her since she was a 15-year-old playing in Singapore. She’s a very strong person, and I’m confident she’ll find a way to get through this.”
Chong Wei highlighted the stark contrast between Malaysia and the United States regarding badminton infrastructure and support.
“Badminton isn’t a major sport in the U.S. like it is in Malaysia. Beiwen is pretty much on her own out there.
“That’s why I always remind our shuttlers to be grateful. Badminton is the number one sport in Malaysia, and the support and facilities we have are often unmatched. Our players should make the most of it.”
Beiwen’s story is not an isolated case. Axelsen, the reigning Olympic champion, has also voiced concerns about the exhausting schedule, which many argue prioritises commercial interests over player welfare. Despite these criticisms, meaningful reform has yet to be seen.
Beiwen’s struggles also highlight the disparities faced by players from countries where badminton lacks popularity and financial support.
Self-funded athletes often bear the brunt of the tour’s demands, enduring immense pressure without the safety net of a national sports system.
In her post, Beiwen shared that her coach, Ding Chao, sometimes pays out of his own pocket to accompany her to tournaments.
She lamented the absence of a support system, saying, “I’ve been through so much in the past 10 years, and the more results I achieve, the sadder I feel. There’s no team supporting me, no consistent training partner, and no system that understands how difficult this journey has been.”
Zhang Beiwen’s candid admission has sparked a broader conversation about the toll the BWF World Tour takes on its players.
While Beiwen continues to fight her uphill battle, the question remains: Is the BWF doing enough to support its athletes? — November 28, 2024