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Lee Chong Wei Aims to Add International Leg to Junior Badminton Tournament in 2025

By The Star

Badminton icon Datuk Seri Lee Chong Wei is planning to grow the Lee Chong Wei Cup next year by holding two tournaments, one of which would be an international edition open to overseas players. The move follows the success of this year's inaugural nine-day event, which drew around 2,200 participants nationwide across the Under-13, Under-15 and Under-17 age groups. The competition included boys' and girls' singles and doubles, along with mixed doubles.

Given the positive response, Lee said he intends to continue the domestic tournament next year while introducing a second event featuring international competitors. However, he noted that scheduling the international leg would depend on avoiding clashes with other major junior tournaments already on the calendar.

"The first tournament will follow this year's format, a local event. For the second, I want to organize an international tournament," Lee said. "We are working out the timing and also seeking approval from Badminton Asia. We need to find a suitable date so it doesn't overlap with other junior tournaments, whether local or international. Once we secure the right timing, we'll proceed with the international tournament."

Beyond offering more competitive opportunities for young athletes, Lee said he hopes the tournament can help identify potential talent for the national badminton program. He emphasized that talent scouts should not limit their focus to finalists or semifinalists alone. "We shouldn't only look at those who reach the final or semifinal stages. Players eliminated in the quarterfinals or earlier could still have real potential. We can scout them and invite them for trials at BAM to assess how they perform in training."

Among the standout performers was Pahang's Shahadzryl Suhaime, who claimed both the Under-13 boys' singles and doubles titles. Having started in the qualifying rounds the previous Saturday, Shahadzryl overcame Penang's Jorus Lee 12-15, 15-12, 15-12 to win the singles title. He then partnered with Gan Giap Han to defeat Sarawak's Ahmad Aniq Rafiq and Lucas Ho 15-12, 15-12 in the doubles final.

In addition to winning two titles and RM6,000 in prize money, Shahadzryl and Giap Han may also earn the opportunity to try out for the national junior team. "I would be very happy if I get the chance to attend a trial with the national team because that is what I have always wanted," said Shahadzryl. "From the start, I had already set myself the goal of becoming champion."