Malaysia mixed doubles shuttlers Chen Tang Jie-Toh Ee Wei. — IZZRAFIQ ALIAS/The Star
PETALING JAYA: Facing criticisms is part and parcel of being an athlete, but national mixed doubles player Toh Ee Wei hopes Malaysians will be united in their support for shuttlers, including herself.
The world No. 4 Ee Wei said dealing with critics comes with being a high-performance athlete, but certain comments that cross the line is not something that should be tolerated.
"Malaysians should be united. We as athletes train hard and do a lot for our country," said Ee Wei.
"We are proud to be Malaysians, and that goes for all the players. Winning and losing are normal; it’s impossible to always be winning.
"But what matters is the attitude. We give it our all, and that’s important. That should unite us.
"It is sad when we are criticised, but as an athlete, I need to be tough to face these things.
"It’s normal to criticise, sometimes without it, we can’t improve. But don’t abuse and insult, that’s what makes me worried."
Ee Wei and partner Chen Tang Jie came under fire last month after early exits at the Malaysian and Indian Opens, with matters crossing the line with irresponsible netizens insulting Ee Wei’s family.
Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) president Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz stepped in and called for all parties to stop the abuse towards shuttlers.
Despite the harshness online, Ee Wei said many have also offered their support to her, and the love from fans has kept Ee Wei’s fire burning to perform on court.
"I have gotten so much support. There are so many fans that support me and they have always done so.
"It’s moving, really. And it makes me motivated to keep going, for them," said the 25-year-old.
But after their shaky start to the year, Tang Jie-Ee Wei bounced back by capturing the Indonesian Masters title two weeks ago.
Ee Wei added that facing tough critics will be something the next generation of players are bound to deal with, and hopes they will toughen up too.
"That’s normal. If we lose, we will get it bad, but if we win no one really says anything. We can’t control what people want to say.
"What’s important is we know what we have put in. Even the juniors will face these problems. This is an example for them.
"It’s easy for others to judge when they aren’t the ones playing on court," she added.
