‘Salute the national flag in your heart,’ says Wong Choong Hann

Wong Choong Hann, the erstwhile international, has recapitulated and evoked budding shuttlers of representing Malaysia gracefully yet in an approaching manner. He reminded them how the importance of sporting glory for the country is cardinal after the national team's weakest outing at the recent Thomas and Uber Cup Finals in Bangkok.

Facing the debacle in the Thomas Cup, Malaysia lost in the quarter-finals after losing 3-1 to Indonesia. On the other hand, women team failed to reach the Uber Cup group stage.

Wong Choong, who is also the 2003 World Championships silver medalist, lashed out that donning the national jersey alone is not enough. Players are ought to take pride and respect of the flag in their hearts. He claimed that "Since we come from different eras; I really can't judge these players and I don't mix with them. The young players must carry the national colors in their hearts and not just on their garments”.

He reiterated that these generation players should not let any opportunity go futile and strive hard for the triumph. He even raised an exceptional point on how the national players shall realize they are no longer playing for themselves. It is for the nation’s pride.

Wong believes each and every second of the hardcore training is essential. Going back to basics and putting sedulous efforts with heart is the key.

He spoke on the benefits of the hardware in today’s world. The court, the training facilities and the personalized featuring are all an effort from the country for their national players.

“My humble advice is for these players are to live with magnanimity and work on the opportunity given. The youth should value curiosity and pay attention to all the opportunities given”.