KUALA LUMPUR: Former doubles ace Lee Wan Wah has warned that the World Tour schedule is becoming too hectic, urging the Badminton World Federation (BWF) to reconsider the tournament calendar to avoid losing top players to injuries and burnout.
The BWF currently stages 30 World Tour events, where the top 15 singles players and top 10 pairs are required to compete in all four Super 1000 and six Super 750 tournaments.
Additionally, they must play in at least two of the nine Super 500 events, though they are not obligated to feature in the 11 Super 300 events.
Aside from the World Tour, players also compete in the annual World Championships (except during Olympic years), continental championships, and the biennial Thomas and Uber Cup Finals and Sudirman Cup.
Wan Wah, who was world No. 1 with Choong Tan Fook in the 2000s, warned that the relentless schedule is increasing injury risks and could shorten the careers of top players.
He urged BWF to consult elite players and strike a balance in the tournament calendar.
"The BWF World Tour calendar is becoming too taxing. The priority should be taking care of the top players," said Wan Wah, now a coach for the Japanese men's doubles B squad.
"There were so many injuries before the Paris Olympics as everyone was fighting to qualify for the Games.
"I think the BWF must engage with the top players and reach a win-win situation.
"I understand that BWF needs the top players to promote the World Tour, along with its sponsorship and media commitments.
"But if you overwork them, you risk losing them to injuries and mental fatigue.
"BWF must find a balance between keeping the tour exciting and safeguarding the players."
Wan Wah said: "Top players and pairs who typically target the quarter-finals in Super 500 events and beyond often play up to five matches in a week, sometimes in three consecutive weeks.
Additionally, top-ranked shuttlers are further burdened by the requirement to compete in all Super 750, Super 1000 and selected Super 500 events.
However, Wan Wah pointed to Denmark's Viktor Axelsen, 30, as an example of how players can manage their schedules effectively.
The two-time Olympic champion carefully plans his tournaments to avoid burnout.
"Axelsen sets a good example by having a clear tournament plan, and when he plays, he delivers quality performances. If he's injured or out of form, he withdraws," added Wan Wah.
"Axelsen is doing his best to prolong his career. This is probably the best approach for players in their 30s.
"Generally, there are three Super 500 to Super 1000 tournaments in three consecutive weeks. It's fine to play two consecutive weeks, but three is pushing it. "This is where the BWF needs to step in and adjust the calendar."
Wan Wah's concerns are valid, as the demanding schedule deprives players of quality training and adequate rest, ultimately leading to more injuries and early retirements.
Timesport has reached out to the BWF for comment.