Kuala Lumpur
Former international Wong Choong Hann believes Malaysia could have had a better Thomas Cup campaign if the shuttlers showed more pride and passion in representing the country.
Malaysia, the five-time champions but not since 1992, targeted the semi-finals in the Bangkok Finals last week but were ousted 3-1 by Indonesia in the last eight.
While admitting Malaysia headed to Bangkok with a youthful and under-strength side, the 41-year-old Choong Hann said the outcome could have been different if the players had put their hearts into playing for the country. .
“I don’t think it’s fair for me to judge them because I’m from a different era,” said Choong Hann.“But I think there’s always room for improvement. I hope they realise that being national players, they are playing for more than just themselves.
“They must don the national colours in their hearts, not just on the shirts,” added the five-time Thomas Cupper, and member of the squads who finished runners-up in the 1998 Hong Kong and 2002 Guangzhou editions.
Choong Hann, however, has singled out team captain Lee Chong Wei for praise.
The three-time Olympic silver medallist delivered points in all his four singles matches, including a stunning 21-9, 21-19 win over world No. 1 Viktor Axelsen of Denmark.
“He never fails to surprise people,” said Choong Hann, who has taken time off to visit the national team at training and caught up with Chong Wei.
“In recent years, people are starting to rule him out and wonder when is he going to quit. But he has defied the odds over and over again, this time with a convincing win over Viktor.
“He showed that if he wants something to be done, he’ll get it done. He definitely has a few good years left in him,” added the 2003 World Championships silver medallist.
Choong Hann is currently a member of the Coach Education Panel (CEP) with the Badminton Association of Malaysia.
