The National Sports Institute (ISN) recently offered a new contract to badminton ace Lee Chong Wei with regards his participation in the Podium Program, following his string of doubts upon the program apart from the sponsorship issues. However, there may be a possibility of the top seed rejecting the second offer.
The Podium Program, which was officiated a couple of weeks ago, was created to ensure potential players can triumph in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and round up to top 10 in the 2018 Asian Games. Chong Wei was listed but due to his complacency and uncertainty of the program, he was still considering his participation.
Despite the huge blow, the national superstar will be having a meeting with Youth and Sports Minister Khairy Jamaluddin in the nearest period possible to explain himself regarding his decisions in order to avoid any misunderstandings.
“I know this is a new program and I should be giving my support but I’m different than the other players. I have a commitment to my private sponsors,” said the 33 year-old as quoted from Berita Harian.
“I will be meeting with him before I take off for the All England championship in order to state my reasons. I don’t want him to misunderstand my actions, thinking I did not want to show support towards this program on purpose. I believe he will try to understand my situation.”
“Even though I’m not in the program, I will support this program and all its activities.”
The Malaysian Masters champion has yet to stamp his ultimate decision regarding his participation in order to prevent conflict involving both parties.
97 athletes have been selected from 14 normal sports and seven Paralympic sports to be a part of the program.
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