Chong Wei inspires a Thai world beater, can he revive Malaysia's men's singles?

DATUK Seri Lee Chong Wei's place in badminton history has never rested purely on the titles he won, but on the standards he set and the influence he continues to carry long after retirement.

That influence was visible, almost quietly, through Kunlavut Vitidsarn.

The Thai shuttler, now a world champion and Olympic silver medallist, has often spoken about Chong Wei being his idol — a choice that still catches many off guard.

In an era dominated by China's Lin Dan, the sport's most decorated player, it was the Malaysian, without a world or Olympic title, who left the deeper impression on Kunlavut as he was growing up.

What Kunlavut admired was not just skill but obsession.

Chong Wei's movement, discipline, and refusal to concede rallies shaped the Thai's understanding of what elite badminton demanded.

That admiration has not faded with success.

Even today, with major titles already achieved, Kunlavut still seeks Chong Wei's advice, a sign of humility and a reflection of the Malaysian's authority in the sport.

Their connection came full circle at the Malaysia Open on Sunday when Chong Wei presented Kunlavut with the trophy after his win over world No. 1 Shi Yuqi at the Axiata Arena.

It was more than a ceremonial moment. It felt like a passing of standards — a reminder that greatness can inspire beyond borders and generations.

For Kunlavut, Chong Wei represents a benchmark.

For Malaysia, that same moment invites a harder question.

Why has Chong Wei's influence travelled so effectively abroad yet failed to produce a clear successor at home?

This is not a criticism of the current men's singles players, who continue to train and compete under intense scrutiny. It is, instead, a recognition of how rare Chong Wei truly was.

His game was built on speed, relentless consistency and mental strength that often broke opponents long before the final point.

Those qualities are not easily transferred nor quickly developed.

During his prime, Chong Wei carried Malaysian badminton almost single-handedly, week after week, season after season.

He turned defence into attack, forced longer rallies, and imposed pressure simply by staying in the match.

Only Lin Dan, widely regarded as the G.O.A.T of badminton, stood between him and the sport's biggest prizes.

Without that rivalry, history might have judged Chong Wei very differently.

Even now, the sport is still adjusting to life after its giants. China have yet to produce a true successor to Lin Dan.

Malaysia's struggle to find the next Chong Wei, therefore, is hardly unique, but it remains deeply felt.

There have been glimpses. Lee Zii Jia, a former All England champion and world No. 2, came closest to emulating Chong Wei's stature, offering hope that Malaysia had finally found a leading man in men's singles.

Injuries, inconsistency and the weight of expectation, however, have stalled that momentum, leaving Zii Jia still searching for his best form and rhythm.

That reality underlines how fragile progress can be and how difficult sustained excellence truly is.

This is the landscape Chong Wei now faces in his new role.

As chairman of the BA of Malaysia's Performance Committee, he has stepped into a position that demands long-term thinking rather than immediate results.

His involvement in reshaping the men's singles department, including renewed focus on players such as Leong Jun Hao and Justin Hoh, signals an attempt to address structural issues rather than chase quick fixes.

Chong Wei understands better than most that Malaysia do not need another Chong Wei.

What it needs is an environment that allows players to grow without fear, to make mistakes without being discarded, and to build belief gradually rather than carry impossible expectations.

It is a difficult shift, especially in a country still searching for a new hero in men's singles.

But Chong Wei's own journey offers perspective.

His success was not instant. It was built over years of setbacks, near misses and relentless work, supported by trust in process and patience from those around him.

Kunlavut's rise serves as a timely reminder of what inspiration, when paired with the right system, can achieve.

A Thai youngster once idolised a Malaysian legend and turned that admiration into world-class success.

The challenge now is whether Malaysia can create the conditions for a similar story to unfold at home.

Chong Wei's legacy is no longer defined by the finals he lost or the medals he narrowly missed. It is now tied to whether his experience, standards and vision can help guide Malaysian badminton through its next chapter.

For a man who spent his career chasing perfection, this may yet be his most demanding pursuit.