With unity, we can go far in the Los Angeles Olympic Games

YOUTH and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh had a lofty dream after Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun defeated seniors Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik in the men’s doubles final at the Malaysian Masters.

“This is how I envision the final of the Olympic Games to look like someday – gold and silver for Malaysia,” she posted on social media.

It may sound like a pipe dream, but this time, it somehow had a ring of hope to it.

Although the next Olympics is another three and half years away in Los Angeles, the rapid progress of the men’s doubles under coach Herry Iman Pierngadi has indeed raised excitement among badminton fans.

More than the 1-2 finish at the home meet – which was the nation’s first win at home in 12 years – it was the show of unity that shone bright.

The Axiata Arena was alive on the final day, as the roaring crowd returned in full force. The fans were from all walks of life.

When rising stars Aaron Tai and Kang Khai Xing were faulted by the umpire a few times in their match against Denmark’s Rasmus Kjaer Boe-Frederik Sogaard in the second round on Thursday, even the coaches could not sit still.

Herry leapt onto the court to protest and even Rexy Mainaky was jumping in fury from the spectators’ court.

This time, it was the world junior champions Aaron-Khai Xing who were trying to calm their coaches down. These young talents must have felt so good to see their coaches standing up for them.

In fact, in solidarity, the home fans stood up and switched on their handphone lights to underline their unhappiness over the dubious call.

It was indeed a sight to behold – an entire stadium behind the players.

Herry has had enough and the BA of Malaysia have now officially written to the world body to air their displeasure over the calls.

It’s not the first time this has happened.

The BWF recently apologised to Indonesia days after a similar antic was pulled off by an umpire during the Sudirman Cup in China.

The BWF’s investigation may or may not favour the Malaysians – but the show of oneness portrayed by the Malaysians was good enough.

We stood together when Aaron-Khai Xing lost after the controversial calls. And celebrated as one when Wei Chong-Kai Wun scored their first by beating Aaron-Wooi Yik for the title.

It is this tight-knit camaraderie and unity that must continue if Malaysia’s hopes are to soar in Los Angeles.

It’s also good to see the mutual respect in the national team – with players and coaches working together like a family.

The Malaysian shuttlers need such undivided support as they continue to play in this week’s Singapore Open and next week’s Indonesian Open, and all other tournaments.

Even if they lose or fail to live up to our expectations, the fans have to remain united in our support for them.

It does not mean that we do not criticise them when things go wrong but let’s do it constructively.

Sometimes, there are postings on social media that are painful and hurtful. Instead of commenting on their game, some attack their personality.

Any criticism should never be personal.

There is no right or wrong in giving opinions but we must learn to respect one another’s view.

This true sportsmanship and respect should cut through all levels.

Let us show the right spirit in standing by our players – encourage them when they are down and analyse their failures in a gentle and right way when they fall.

If all of us maintain this show of unity that we displayed during the Malaysian Masters, an all-Malaysian men’s doubles final at the Olympic Games will not be an impossible task to pull off indeed.

And Hannah’s dream and others alike can come true.