Lee Chong Wei Speaks Up About Match‑Fixing Temptations
Meet Lee Chong Wei, Malaysia’s badminton superstar who’s been on the world stage for years. In a recent interview, the 35‑year‑old revealed he once turned down a bribe from a so‑called match‑fixer and felt a wave of shame wash over him.
What the BWF is Up To
- Two Malaysian players are now under BWF investigation for alleged match‑fixing.
- They’re slated to appear before a hearing in Singapore later this month.
- If found guilty, the penalty could be a lifetime ban.
Lee’s Stand‑Up Point
When asked about the offer, Lee was straightforward: “Money isn’t everything to me.” He said that for him, national pride takes top priority and he feels it’s his duty to keep that honor intact.
Feeling For the Fans
Lee’s candid admittance came after the scandal broke last week, leaving him feeling “embarrassed and ashamed.” He’s hoping the case concludes quickly so that his badminton nation can shake off the stain.
A Bit of Badminton History
- 2012 Olympics: Eight women’s doubles players were disqualified for purposely losing group matches to secure an easier quarter‑final draw.
- 2014 BWF: Asked police to investigate two Danish players who claimed they were approached by a Malaysian man to throw matches.
With the current controversy, Malaysia’s sports officials are tight‑lipped, not naming the two players involved. It’s rumored one was a former junior champion and the other a Thomas Cup participant.
