PETALING JAYA: Badminton legend Datuk Lee Chong Wei has smashed his way to many firsts in his career as a player. As an administrator, he has now become the first chef de mission of the Malaysian contingent to work from home.
It’s unprecedented but the physical absence and distance will not stop Chong Wei from being hands-on in managing affairs of the athletes at the Tokyo Olympic Games starting tomorrow.
In fact, Chong Wei has already established a tight schedule to keep himself connected with the team led by chief secretariat Datuk Nazifuddin Najib in Japan on a regular basis.
PETALING JAYA: Seasoned campaigner Chan Peng Soon is all smiles to have Chin Eei Hui back as his coach.
The 32-year-old sees the reunion with the latter as a massive boost to his preparation for the Tokyo Olympics. Peng Soon and his partner Goh Liu Ying, 31, have the best chance to qualify and do well in what could be their last Olympics.
Although Peng Soon did not openly declare it, it’s obvious that he and Liu Ying are hoping to accomplish an unfinished business with Eei Hui – winning an Olympics gold.
Hard taskmaster: There’s no break for Chan Peng Soon even on New Year’s Day as he hits the gym under the close watch of coach Chin Eei Hui (left) yesterday.
Badminton in 2020: Smashing start derailed by Covid-19 Fabian Peter
By and large, 2020 has been a tough year for sports.
Badminton players, especially, were left on the sidelines for most of the season due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
And to make things worse, the coronavirus continues to be a major concern, threatening to postpone and cancel more events next year.
But it was not all gloom and doom from the kickoff.
The year got off to a reasonably good start for several Malaysian shuttlers, who could have gone on to impress further if not for the tournament calendar coming to an abrupt halt in March.