Playing a sport can be done for both fun and leisure, but training to master a sport is something entirely different – and what better way to learn the tricks of a trade than to receive tips from a legendary professional?
Malaysian badminton icon Datuk Wira Lee Chong Wei recently attended an event organised by the Ministry of Investment, Trade, and Industry, where he shared details and accounts from his time as one of the nation’s most established athletes. However, a snippet from the event has been making waves online after Lee shared a clip to his TikTok page @leechongweiofficial.
In the video, Lee gave his thoughts on a few tips that may be helpful for budding badminton players.
Beginning the video by discussing his progress in sports, Lee stated that he was originally involved in basketball, representing his home state of Penang at one point. Shortly after that, the athlete mentioned that he switched to badminton upon his father’s suggestion, in order to focus on one particular sport.
Embellishing on a cheeky story, Lee stated that one of his neighbours had asked his father about Lee’s mental well-being after noticing the young boy hitting shuttlecocks against a bare wall. According to Lee, he had played badminton against a wall in his house as there was no one else to play with him.
With this thought fresh in his mind, Lee then recalled a moment that took place many years later, where his primary coach and guide, Coach Misbun Sidek, always made Lee practice badminton against a wall for 30 minutes at the start of every session.
“It is to train our eyes and to be fast. Because when you play against a wall, you can’t predict which direction the shuttlecock will go. When you hit it hard, it can bounce anywhere,” said Lee in the clip.
Comedically recounting a full circle moment, Lee stated that the same neighbour who asked about his mental well-being now recognised his talents and the reason why he “played with the wall”.
Receiving immense praise from users in the comments section, multiple people spoke on what a good tip Lee provided to other people who intend to start playing the sport.
“The wall is your first coach, and a good start to become the best,” commented one user.
On the other hand, multiple individuals couldn’t help but make light-hearted jokes at Lee’s suggestion, with one user saying that he’d probably not qualify for the national team as he’d break his racket.
“So much power that he had to play against the wall!” jested one user.
Watch the full TikTok video below:
Watch on TikTok
The proof is in the pudding: you don’t always need others to excel at certain sports!
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