THE long-awaited badminton title still would not return home this time at the Axiata Arena.
Datuk Seri Lee Chong Wei last won the men’s singles title in 2018, while Goh V Shem–Lim Khim Wah were the last Malaysian men’s doubles champions back in 2014.
Despite the defeat, fans were still thrilled as the senior pair of Aaron–Wooi Yik showed signs of a return to form after struggling at the tail end of last season.
With the promising start to the new year, there is hope that the pair can carry their fighting spirit and fiery display to the Indian Open starting today and beyond.
However, theirs was not only the story of a return at the 33rd edition of the home tournament.
There was also Chong Wei.
Watching the 12-time home champion at the Axiata Arena, this time as the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) performance committee chairman, was special.
The once scrawny boy who shed blood, sweat and tears to bring joy to the nation is now guiding the present and future generation.
It was Chong Wei’s first home tournament as an official and he did a fine job.
He was seen comforting Pearly Tan and M. Thinaah, who were in tears backstage after their second-round exit in the women’s doubles.
He understood the heavy burden of playing at home and the immense pressure of performing in front of 10,000 fans while carrying the expectations of an entire nation.
But he told them to wipe away the tears and get back on their feet, reminding them that the mission was far from over.
He believes defeats like this will only fuel their hunger for more. Chong Wei was not only a mentor to the Malaysian team.
Reigning men’s singles champion Kunlavut Vitidsarn of Thailand was also on cloud nine when his idol presented him with the trophy.
For years, Kunlavut had dreamed of emulating Chong Wei and there he was, lifting his first Super 1000 title after Shi Yuqi of China withdrew from the final, standing tall in front of his hero.
Hopefully, Malaysian juniors can one day emulate Kunlavut.
It was also heartening to see the return of Chong Wei’s former coach Datuk Tey Seu Bock as the national singles head coach.
Sitting behind Leong Jun Hao, Seu Bock watched his charge finally clear the first round after failing to do so in his previous five tournaments.
That is the impact of a player being comfortable with a coach and his methods.
Credit must go to singles coaching director Kenneth Jonassen for putting national interest above pride by bringing Seu Bock back into the senior setup.
Another notable return was Liew Daren, who has taken up the coaching role for professional shuttler Lee Zii Jia following Yeoh Kay Bin’s departure.
Daren’s return could be catalyst to spark Zii Jia’s revival this season.
The 27-year-old Zii Jia showed encouraging signs despite a first-round defeat at home. The former All-England champion looked more settled after a year disrupted by injuries and mental health struggles.
With Daren by his side, Zii Jia’s growing confidence in himself and his coach could yet see the return of the player who once ruled the big stage.
Not too far from the Axiata Arena, at the Hilton Hotel, talk was swirling that the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) executive committee might resign en bloc.
This is following FIFA sanctions over doctored documents involving seven mixed-heritage players - a move that could have paved the way for the return of Tan Sri Hamidin Amin as president.
The speculation fizzled out and the resignations did not materialise.
Instead, FAM announced the reinstatement of secretary-general Datuk Noor Azman Rahman, who is under investigation by FIFA.
That particular return has left more questions than answers.
How was he cleared when all fingers had been pointed at him earlier? It was all a blur.
But then again, in Malaysian football, blur is normal and anything is possible.
Already a subscriber? Log in
Get 20% OFF The Star Digital Access
Cancel anytime. Ad-free. Unlimited access with perks.
