BANGKOK: There have been calls for a revamp in Malaysian badminton following the failure to achieve targets in the Thomas Cup and the Uber Cup.
However, if a proper culture is not nurtured first then changes that are adopted will have little effect.
Last week, the men’s Thomas Cup team were ousted in the quarter-finals, while the women failed to reach the Uber Cup knockout stage.
So what is wrong with Malaysian badminton and for how long will the wait for major trophies continue?
The mindsets of players and that of those managing them, which include the coaches and other top management officials, should also be looked at.
Take a trip to Academy Badminton Malaysia (ABM) in Bukit Kiara and one might understand what I am talking about.
I am not doubting the ability and physical aspect of our players, but rather their hearts and minds.
Does the word Malaysia, and national duty mean anything to them? Or do the number of likes on social media matter more?
I had goosebumps when the Thais stood on the podium to receive their Uber Cup silver medals.
Why?
It wasn't even gold but you can tell that they had given everything they had in that final against Japan.
In fact, it was the Thai players, who celebrated like they had won the Cup after the prize giving ceremony with nearly 10,000 fans at the IMPACT Arena probably because to them it was more of national pride rather than self satisfaction.
Do our Malaysian players feel the same whenever they are on the court?
Bear in mind that our professional players are not that different as it has come to my knowledge that some demand a lot whenever they are invited to join the national team.
Now, are the coaches doing enough to nurture this spirit of nationalism among the players? Or are they just there for the sake of being there?
I had the opportunity to interview Japan’s Kento Momota and Akane Yamaguchi, and to my surprise, both had the same response when asked about how they felt reaching the final of the Thomas and Uber Cup again since the 2014 New Delhi edition.
They felt a very strong obligation towards the people of Japan.
Forgive me for asking too many questions, but I am a reporter and that is my job, apart from just writing.
My two cents would be to first cut on all the protocols. Cut down on all the ridiculous bonuses, both players and coaches.
Start them young on nationalistic values. Make them first feel proud to be Malaysians, not athletes.
And to allow head coaches to really be head coaches. Just look at Park Joo Bong with Japan, and Rexy Mainaky with the Thai national team.
They have been given full mandate to see through the processes of meeting a target, and improving their squads as a whole.