Badminton legend Datuk Seri Lee Chong Wei believes Malaysia’s players lack the hunger and determination to win compared with their French counterparts, despite having the talent to compete at the highest level.
The Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) Performance Committee chairman said there was a clear difference between the mentality of Malaysian players and the fighting spirit displayed by France’s shuttlers, particularly after the European nation secured two world titles in New Delhi last month.
“If you had asked me before, nobody would have believed France could win two titles at the world championships. They have proven what they can do, and we must also prove how we can improve our performance in the future.
“You can see French players stepping onto the court with a strong determination to win. Our players have that too, but perhaps it is not enough,” he said when met recently.
French badminton strengthened its presence on the international stage after achieving a historic double at the world championships, winning their first-ever men’s singles and mixed doubles world titles on the same day.
Alex Lanier became the first French player to win the men’s singles world title, while Thom Gicquel and Delphine Delrue created history by claiming the mixed doubles crown.
France’s men’s badminton team also won silver at the 2026 Thomas Cup in Horsens, Denmark, in May.
Asked specifically about Malaysia’s world No. 1 men’s singles player Leong Jun Hao, Chong Wei acknowledged the difficulties faced by the 27-year-old and stressed the need for him to make immediate changes to his attitude and develop a stronger personal desire to succeed.
The former world No. 1 did not shy away from discussing Jun Hao’s career development, warning that time was running out for the player to make a major impact on the international stage.
“I hope he knows what he needs and what he wants. He is no longer 18 or 20… he does not have much time left and needs to know what is required.
“He may have one last opportunity to compete at the 2028 Olympic Games, depending on his circumstances. It is about desire,” he said.
The three-time Olympic silver medallist in men’s singles also stressed that discipline remains the foundation of success, saying no player, regardless of how much talent they possess, can reach world-class level without discipline.
