Chong Wei wants to give juniors world-class experience at Lee Chong Wei Cup

Lee Chong Wei was pleased to see his personal vision to grow junior badminton finally come to life on Saturday, with the inaugural Lee Chong Wei Cup serving up a massive 184 matches on its opening day at Stadium Juara, Bukit Kiara.  

After spending about a year planning the tournament, he was particularly pleased to see junior players competing in an environment designed to resemble a high-level international event.

“The juniors may not all have the opportunity to compete in international tournaments, but at least by playing here, they can experience something that feels like an international event.

“For me, if I want to do something, I want to do it properly and give it everything I can. “Some people may say that because this is only a junior tournament, you don’t need chairs by the court or a proper place for the players’ bags, but I don’t agree.

“Maybe two or three years from now, when they start playing internationally, at least they will already have had some exposure to that kind of environment through the Lee Chong Wei Cup," said Lee, who was present during the opening day morning session.

Large scoreboards are positioned around the competition hall, players have courtside seating during intervals, coaches accompany them behind the courts, and results of the action are displayed on a large digital screen for all in the venue to see.

All players also get to relax in a Players’ Lounge before their matches take place, where there is also a TV showing the on-going action.

The matches on all courts are also live streamed on the tournament’s official page https://www.leechongweicup.com/, while the final three days will be aired live by the tournament official broadcaster Astro.