I recently did an interview with Lee Chong Wei and I am pleased to announce that it is finally ready for posting. He is not only a great badminton player but also a really nice and humble guy. He is in my view, a role model for all kids, teens and adults alike.
Hope you will enjoy this interview as much as we do. You might get some inspiration from his story and could one day become a great player yourself. Anything is possible when you have the will! :)
I would like to hereby thank Chong Wei for his time and hope he does really well in the coming Olympics game in Beijing. All the best!
1. What age did you start playing?
I started playing badminton from the age of 11 years old.
2. Was it your intention to be a professional player from the start?
Actually that was not my intention at the start, it happens naturally as my father trained and encouraged me to play badminton when I am young.
3. When did you realize you were good enough to be a world beater?
I think it was when I am 17. That was the year when I won a lot of local tournaments and felt that I stood a chance to enter the national team. And yes my dreams turn reality that year as I was drafted to the national team set up that year.
4. How were you noticed at the national level?
I was noticed at the national level and drafted to the national team because I played in all the major local tournaments and won several of them.
5. Penang seems to produce quite a few successful badminton players at the world arena. Why is that?
I think that is because there are more people in Penang who are interested in playing this game. However this Phenomenon does not confine to Penang only. Instead it happens throughout the North Malaysia region, places like Ipoh or Alor Setar. In general the North Malaysia region has produced quite a lot of world class badminton players over the years.
6. Which year was you drafted into the national