National badminton players Chong Wei Feng and Zulfadli Zulkiffli are not keen on foregoing their participation in the upcoming Jakarta World Championships from August 10 till 16, in order to let Lee Chong Wei step in for them.
Wei Feng and Zulfadli are currently ranked 31st and 41st in the BWF world ranking while Chong Wei has slid down to 45th from due to his suspension over the past 8 months.
Malaysia will only be allowed to send three representatives, if all three of them are ranked within the top 24 bracket of the BWF World rankings. Otherwise, only two will be allowed.
According to the current rankings, Wei Feng and Zulfadli are eligible to participate in the World Championship, though it will come at the expense of Lee Chong Wei. BAM is willing to offer LCW a chance to represent the country, though Wei Feng is entirely against the idea.
“The other players and I have worked hard. We are now the highest ranked Malaysian players in the men’s singles section. I hope I get to play for the World Championships because I too need to garner more points to qualify in the Rio de Janeiro Olympics next year.” he was quoted as saying by Sinchew.
Former junior world champion Zulfadli Zulkiffli agrees with his compatriot: “My dream is to be able to participate in the World Championships and the Olympics. As an independent player, I have sacrificed a lot, including my studies, time, money and hard work. My parents too think I have foregone a lot to take part in these tournaments.”
“I am an independent player. I have not undergone any training from the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM). Why should I sacrifice? If BAM wishes to solve the problem, they should do it among their players and not interfere with independent players.
“I am the first ever Malaysian player to win the Asian Junior Championships, World Junior Championships and Commonwealth Youth Games and I hope to be the youngest player to triumph in the Jakarta World Championships,” he added.
Photo credits: kwiknews.com
Other posts by Michelle Liew
