KUALA LUMPUR: Badminton legend Datuk Seri Lee Chong Wei has officially returned to the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) — not as a player or coach, but as an independent council member tasked with helping the body realise its new “Tangkis 2030” vision.
Unveiled on Saturday, the roadmap aims to transform Malaysia into a global badminton powerhouse within five years.
Its immediate goals are to win the 2026 Thomas Cup, secure Olympic gold at Los Angeles 2028, and produce world No 1s in at least three of the five events.
Chong Wei’s role will focus on overseeing athlete performance and welfare, with BAM president Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz describing his input as “crucial” to the project.
Tengku Zafrul confirmed Chong Wei’s appointment, along with three corporate figures — Tan Sri Gooi Hoe Soon (financial matters), Datuk Sunil Abraham (legal) and Datuk Seri Shazalli Ramly (branding and media strategies) — during a council meeting at the Academy Badminton Malaysia (ABM).
“I shared my vision to make Malaysia a global badminton powerhouse and I thank the council members for their support,” said Tengku Zafrul.
“We will soon finalise a full plan, officially adopted by the council, to build a steady pipeline of world-class shuttlers. With so many revamps ahead, we needed additional expertise, and Chong Wei, of course, needs no introduction.
“He is already part of the council and will be placed in the most relevant committee once the new structure is confirmed, most likely performance. We aim to conclude the changes by October, or sooner if possible.”
Malaysia last won the Thomas Cup in 1992, and while the men’s singles department is currently weakened by injuries to Lee Zii Jia and Ng Tze Yong, Tengku Zafrul insists the target remains achievable.
“We want to rally shuttlers, sponsors and the badminton community behind a “Road to Thomas Cup” programme. We last won it over 30 years ago and must be ambitious enough to target it again,” he said.
“We have strength in doubles and should leverage on that. The coaches are optimistic — with the right tactics, even if we lose the first singles, we can still be competitive with our second singles and strong doubles pairings.
“Our short-term goals include the Thomas Cup, Olympic gold in 2028 and producing three world No 1s.”
National singles coaching director Kenneth Jonassen and doubles chief Rexy Mainaky also shared their input before Tengku Zafrul launched the roadmap.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
