PETALING JAYA: Mixed doubles start Toh Ee Wei has called the next generation players to stand tall against criticism.
Ee Wei and her world No. 4 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 cyberbullies to stop the abuse towards the reigning world champions and other shuttlers.
Ee Wei hoped her juniors would toughen up when they face critics 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 said.
Facing criticisms is part and parcel of being an athlete, but Ee Wei said they should not tolerate comments that cross the line and hoped Malaysians would be united in their support for shuttlers.
“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.”
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.
