Forget about dramatic officials

They rallied the crowd to cheer them on during the match and rightfully gave badminton enthusiasts something to cheer about.

Goh V Shem and Lim Khim Wah defeated China pair Chai Biao-Hong Wei 21-19, 21-18 in the men’s doubles final at the Malaysia Open over the weekend. Both pairs provided a breath of fresh air for their character and eagerness to outdo each other proved badminton was alive at the Putra Stadium in Bukit Jalil.
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Goh and Lim made up for the disappointing outing provided by top national doubles pair Koo Kean Keat-Tan Boon Heong who were smashed out in the first round of the competition last week.
World No.1 Lee Chong Wei, meanwhile, was reduced to tears as he fell on his knees and thanked the Almighty after netting his 10th Malaysia Open title. He edged Indonesian Tommy Sugiarto 21-19, 21-9 in the men’s single final.


Two contrasting tales — one of an upcoming pair who, hopefully, have plenty more to offer while the other is about an aging hero who has hinted of hanging his racquet for good come year end — that provided a happy ending.

One cannot blame Chong Wei for wanting out as he had been the sole champion of the national badminton cause for many years.

A picture of Chong Wei with his wife, former international Wong Mew Choo, and their son Kingston proved fatherhood had kicked in and he would naturally want to spend more time with his family now more than ever.

V Shem and Khim Wah have given fans and sportswriters a glimmer of hope that badminton would continue to hog the back pages of the dailies even after Chong Wei retires.
They have also provided badminton administrators a lifeline for the officials appear to hog the limelight for the wrong reasons.

From the supposed changes implemented by the office bearers to the series of resignations within the BA of Malaysia — with the latest being an "email" from general manager Kenny Goh wanting out only to insist he is back in the fold yesterday — these officials ought to realise they have plenty more to contribute to the national badminton scene rather than just juicy controversies.
Perhaps the officials should forget about petty issues and look at the development of the sport at the grassroots and their respective states first before implementing grand plans and setting up
numerous committees.


Read more in Haresh Says, as published in Mailsport, today.

HD says: The sport is bigger than any individual.

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