Walk the talk first before asking for high pay

New Straits Times

21-04-2025

KUALA LUMPUR: National badminton legend Datuk Lee Chong Wei stresses that shuttlers must prove their capabilities on the court first before demanding lucrative salaries.
Commenting on claims that a handful of shuttlers are asking for lucrative salaries from the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM), Chong Wei said this would not be a big problem if the players perform at a level that translates to success.
"I'm not saying shuttlers cannot ask for high salaries, can … but what is important is that they must first prove it (in terms of performance). They must be committed and contribute to the association.
"These days I always say that our shuttlers are pampered but if they are committed, no matter how much (salary) they ask for, the association will try to assist," he said when met at the Ministry of Youth and Sports Aidilfitri Open House 2025 celebration at the Axiata Arena in Bukit Jalil here today.
Chong Wei, 42, said problems arise when players who have yet to reach a certain level in their careers start making unreasonable demands.
"Some have yet to reach a high level but are already asking for a high salary. When they don't get it, they say they will turn professional," he said.
The three-time Olympic silver medallist, however, hopes that the new leaders set to helm BAM will review the issue of players' salaries and make positive changes.
Meanwhile, Chong Wei expressed his amazement at the determination and drive of national track cyclist Datuk Mohd Azizulhasni Awang, who has decided to quit the national team and ride as a professional.
Chong Wei, who is a committee member of the Road to Gold (RTF) programme, said he fully supported the decision made by the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games silver medallist.
"We hope he will win more gold medals (in upcoming championships)," added the three-time world championships runner-up.