Badminton lessons – MW

A large crowd cheering Lee on after he won the first game during the Thomas Cup finals.

I was one among the millions of Malaysians who tuned into the Thomas Cup finals on Sunday evening and was glued to the TV from beginning to end. It was a fight well fought and my heartiest congratulations to the players who played to the best of their abilities to make their nation proud. It was exhilarating, disappointing and the end, when it did come, left a deep sense of sadness, more for the players and their dejection than for the loss of the cup.

Comparisons are always odious, but no doubt in the coming days there will be many, especially considering that we came so close to lifting this cup in 22 years. My observations are made in the spirit of goodwill rather than to criticise, so it should not detract from the heroism of our players.

Nevertheless, these are some very obvious differences:
1. The Japanese players had a gung-ho spirit and were in attacking form, attempting every shot, even when it was clear that they were not as talented as our own. The most amazing displays was when they were down on the ground, having tripped, and yet kept attacking from that position. That surely is amazing. Our players, by comparison, at times appeared to be unsure, doubtful and sometimes uncoordinated as in the case of some of the doubles players. The Malaysian players appeared to be waiting for direction rather than showing confidence in taking initiative. Is there too much hand-holding and not enough independence in training?

2. Visual form and impact can be everything. The Japanese players seemed individual in their appearance, attitude and behaviour. Some were in sleeved t-shirts, others wore sleeveless; their hair styles were individual and they seemed to have an assurance about themselves. Ours by comparison seemed to be in strict uniform, like obedient school boys. This might seem a bit strange, but there is a confidence projected in projecting such individuality. A timid player, like a new kid on the school playground can be easily thrown off at the sight of another who appears to have such a strong personality. Lin Dan, with his chains and his tattoos, come to mind. He projects tiger even before he starts playing. The Malaysian officials involved here should learn their lessons. Avoid sending out good little choir boys to play games. We need people with personality, in attacking form, who are not easily fazed by crowds or their opponents or the chances of failure. This involves sessions with a good therapist and good counsellors (plenty of phony types ready to offer phony advice). Please get our players the help that they need to match their talents.

3. There was clearly a more respectful treatment of the Japanese players. The Japanese players were seated right in front, from where they were able to cheer their team on. Additionally, there seemed to be a great affection and camaraderie among them as they had choreographed movements, chants and dance even to lift the spirits of their players. On the Malaysian side, as is typical, we had the sight of a number of stodgy officials all wearing the sickly blue jackets and peering at the players. The cheers were there, but it was nothing compared to the energy and enthusiasm of the Japanese contingent. Instead, on the Malaysian side, the players were placed somewhere behind the officials almost as if they did not matter, and there did not appear to be a great deal of cohesiveness or camaraderie among them by comparison. Spontaneity, camaraderie and peer support is crucial for players, whereas the sight of a bunch of officials all looking grave can be a worrying spectacle as it also hints at the possible fall from grace for players who are under-performing. Please treat our players with respect; give them front seats and help them build team spirit. The officials are less important than the players so we want to see them in front with their coaches, instead of every titled person in town remotely associated with BAM.

4. In comparison with some of the Japanese players, some of our players looked seriously under-weight and in need of bulking up. The sight of a big-sized, bulked up competitor on the court does not help when you already appear intimidated by being out in the international arena. Is there adequate attention given to these matters?

I am sure that these are not new observations, since we have been sending our players out into these international arenas for decades in pursuit of winning trophies. However, while we have great potential among our players, our officials should realise that this is the 21st century and talent alone is not going to help our players. They need to ensure that players are prepared mentally, psychologically and individually. Please ensure that the millions being spent in this pursuit are actually spent on the players and their well being instead of cheap looking jackets which could be done away with.

But once again, to the Malaysian Team 2014, we are proud of you.

* MW from Petaling Jaya reads The Malaysian Insider.