KUALA LUMPUR: Former world No. 1 shuttler Datuk Lee Chong Wei has expressed readiness to return to the BA of Malaysia (BAM) if his services are required, but not as a coach.
He is willing to become a sparring partner with players training at Academy Badminton Malaysia (ABM).
The three-time Olympic silver medallist said he has never forgotten the support that BAM has given him throughout his career.
"This is my way of giving back to BAM. As I have always said, I would not have been able to achieve what I have without BAM," said Chong Wei today.
Chong Wei disclosed that the idea was proposed by ABM coaching director Rexy Mainaky, who had contacted him.
Chong Wei said he immediately agreed as he had previously taken to the court with former national doubles pair Koo Kien Keat-Tan Boon Heong to spar with current national players.
"I would be happy if my presence could help the national players.
"Our presence could inspire the current players and motivate them. We can also share our experiences.
"In training, we can go three-against-two or even two-against-one. I can team up with Kien Keat and Boon Heong."
Chong Wei, however, said how frequently he plays with the team will depend on the coaches as he does not want to interfere with their training programme structure.
Boon Heong had uploaded videos on his YouTube channel showing the trio sparring with national No.1 doubles pair Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik, as well as singles player Ng Tze Yong recently.
National players are currently preparing for the new season. Their first major assignment will be the Malaysian Open from Jan 9 to Jan 14.
