Are M'sian's too easily satisfied with getting to the S/F stage of tournaments? When was the last time a Malaysian won a grand prix tournament? If I am not mistaken, it was back in Dec 2000 when Cheah Soon Kit and Yap Kim Hock won the HK Open. Before that Choong/Lee won the Konica Cup in 1999. OK, in the last two years, how many times have M'sians got to the final of a Grand Prix tournament? Are they too easily rewarded for their endevours and therefore do not have the desire to win? (this affecting their preparation and training?)
The question is about why M'sians are not consistently doing better in tournaments. In fact many Malaysians, although patriotically supporting their players, now have the idea of Malaysians being LOSERS. The M'sians badminton players who have really impressed me with a desire to win are Cheah/Yap and Wong Choong Han. BTW I forgot to mention Yong Hock Kin's title win in the Indoensian Open some years ago.
You are right Cheung. Some people are ingrained from young to be compliant and obedient and to follow the crowd and not to stand out, it is borrowed from Japanese " the nail that sticks out will be hammered down". Therefore some people place priority and emphasis on being medioocre and not to hurt other people's feelings, it is a question of social values and culture,it even extends to sports, look at the football tournament now played in HK.It is different elsewhere.
It's interesting that you brought this up coz Malaysia's Korean headcoach Park Joo Bong was really pissed abt this. I remember him saying after the Olympics that he was disgusted, not juz with their lack of discipline, but becoz they took losing as though it was the norm, as though it was nothing to feel sad or be ashamed abt. No personal attack meant on any Malaysian player in particular... am juz stating what I read.
Yes, as was reported in the press, the Malaysian team lacks discipline, consistency and winning spirit. Some even say life in Malaysia is so wonderful that the players can have plenty other things to do rather than put on their best. In Indonesia, in view of the country's economic situation, players put their best to go to the top as the financial reward is great. Competition is so great that only the best will make it to the top, thus producing many great players over the years. Well, many left for other countries e.g. Singapore, Hong Kong, Taiwan, etc..coz' they can be top there! In a way, better opportunity with less competition.
