KUALA LUMPUR – Fortunate Malaysian juniors can anticipate the opportunity of a lifetime by joining the renowned summer camp hosted by five-time world champion Lin Dan next year, thanks to former national junior coach Kwan Yoke Meng.
Yoke Meng, who left the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) last year, has already received two invitations from the former China men’s singles great and his wife Xie Xingfang to serve as head coach at their one-week summer camp in China for players aged 16 and below.
Speaking to Scoop, Yoke Meng, who is currently in the process of establishing his own badminton academy here, expressed gratitude to both Lin Dan and Xingfang for trusting him and granting him the opportunity to witness the junior training culture in China.
This year, a total of 64 juniors, including nine international players from Denmark, Norway, Canada, and England, participated in the annual programme held in Xiamen in Fujian province, China.
“I was invited to join the programme last year and again this year, through my former player Kuan Beng Hong (ex-international), who is close to Lin Dan.
“The summer camp takes place annually during the school holidays in China. Lin Dan and his wife (Xingfang), in collaboration with a private school, also organise a winter camp.
“It’s truly a remarkable experience because the camp is not solely focused on badminton, it also instills values aimed at grooming these juniors into better individuals.
“Throughout the week-long camp, these juniors not only get to meet their idols (Lin Dan and Xingfang) but also learn independence.
“At night, we collect their mobile phones and only permit limited usage during the day. Additionally, they are responsible for making their own beds and even washing their own clothes,” said Yoke Meng, who is now planning an exchange programme with the two-time Olympic champion.
Yoke Meng, a member of the 1992 Thomas Cup-winning squad, is striving to secure additional sponsors for his academy to enable more local juniors to attend the training camp next year.
“Lin Dan and Xingfang’s initiative benefits not only China but world badminton as a whole.
“The programme aims to strengthen our cultural values, build players’ mental fortitude, and discipline.
“It’s also inclusive, catering to beginners, intermediate, and advanced players,” added Yoke Meng. – July 18, 2024