'Train the brain': Ex-NSI expert urges shuttlers to prioritise mental training
KUALA LUMPUR: National shuttlers must undergo consistent psychological training alongside physical preparation if they are to reach peak performance, says former National Sports Institute (NSI) sports psychologist Philip Lew.
Philip, now working with eSports outfit Selangor Red Giants, was seconded to the Academy Badminton Malaysia (ABM) from May 2003 to October 2023, where he worked closely with players under the Road to Gold (RTG) programme.
He stressed that mental strength must be developed through regular, structured sessions — not quick-fix solutions.
"The brain is like a muscle. You have to train it consistently to strengthen it," said the 35-year-old.
"You can't just run a short camp before a tournament and expect players to be mentally ready. It doesn't work like that."
Malaysia suffered a disappointing outing at the Badminton Asia Mixed Team Championships in Qingdao, China, in February, failing to progress beyond the group stage.
Following the tournament, BA of Malaysia (BAM) acting president Datuk V. Subramaniam ordered a performance review.
Based on coaches' feedback, BAM requested a full-time NSI psychologist to be stationed at ABM.
Philip welcomed the move and said it could mark a turning point for the national squad.
"I understand BAM has secured a full-time psychologist from NSI. It'll take time for players to build trust, but it's definitely a step in the right direction," he told Timesport.
"Having someone based at ABM means the players have immediate access to support without needing to travel to Bukit Jalil."
He urged players to fully utilise the psychological services but cautioned against expecting instant results.
"It's not a magic pill. Many elements affect performance — mental strength is just one part of a bigger picture."
Philip also weighed in on criticism over the decision to field Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik against Japan's Takuro Hoki-Yugo Kobayashi in the final Group C clash at the recent Sudirman Cup.
Malaysia lost the match, allowing Japan to top the group and forcing Malaysia into a tougher quarter-final tie. Malaysia lost 3-0 to eventual champions China in the last eight in Xiamen.
"There's always pressure on coaches and players to make the right call," he said.
"Aaron-Wooi Yik have a poor record against that Japanese pair. But if Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani had played and lost, people would ask why the reigning Asian champions weren't picked."
He also highlighted the pair's resilience at the Paris Olympics, where they staged a dramatic comeback to win the men's doubles bronze.
"After that match, everyone praised their mental toughness. But now, after one defeat, they're being labelled mentally weak.
It's never that simple — mental preparation is just one component of overall performance."
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