Latest news with #RashidSidek
New Straits Times
a day ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Rashid Sidek not in favour of 'longer tournaments'
KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Rashid Sidek feels that the idea of increasing Super 1000 tournaments from six days to 11 will not necessarily reduce the physical and mental stress of shuttlers. In fact, the former Olympic bronze medallist feels that the players will be saddled with more financial burden if BWF implements the format in 2027 as not all the top 15 singles and top 10 pairs enjoy lucrative sponsorships. Rashid said the current six-day competition format should be maintained if the world body is to safeguard player welfare. "I feel it's pointless to increase to 11 days because this will put more financial burden on the players. They have to fork out more for accomodation and food," said Rashid. "We have to remember that not all players get big sponsorships. The top eight in singles and doubles may enjoy financial security, but the rest will struggle. "Tennis grand slams are held for two weeks because they have over seven rounds and matches can last for five hours. "Let's not talk about the prize money because there is a huge difference between the Grand Slams and badminton's Super 1000 events." The Wimbledon, for example, offered a jaw-dropping £3 million (RM17.17m) for the men's singles champion this year while the men's singles winner of the China Open, a Super 1000 event, received US$140,000 (RM595,488). Rashid believes lengthy Super 1000 tournaments may satisfy fans, boost ticket sales and leading to more live coverage, but it will be a burden for the organisers as well. "The organising costs of Super 1000 events will also increase and some countries may find it harder to host big World Tour events. "However, increasing the prize money should help the players earn more, and they will not be tempted to play in too many events," added Rashid.
New Straits Times
09-05-2025
- Sport
- New Straits Times
Rashid slams shuttlers who are 'all talk but no action'
KUALA LUMPUR: National badminton legend Datuk Rashid Sidek has taken a swipe at a small group of national shuttlers for not walking the talk despite their proclamations of wanting to become world champions or be among the top 10 in world ranking. Describing this group of shuttlers as "all talk but no action", he also lambasted them for their half-hearted efforts during training sessions. "I'm not saying that the players are molly-coddled now, but what is their goal?" he said when met after receiving the recognition as a Sports Icon at the Universiti Malaya Sports Award Night today. But it is not all gloom and doom though as Rashid is optimistic that the national badminton squad can serve up a tough fight in the 2026 Thomas Cup. To achieve that, however, he said the team must come up with the right strategy, particularly as they currently possess three strong men's doubles pairs who can contribute points. "Definitely can (put up a strong fight in the Thomas Cup). We now have three solid pairs. If Lee Zii Jia can get a point in men's singles, we only need one more from the likes of Justin Hoh or Leong Jun Hao. "With the right strategy and player lineup, we have a very good chance of emerging victorious. For me, if we are strong in four out of the five (three singles and two doubles) match-ups, that should be enough - lose one and the other three can make up for it," he said. Reflecting on his past successes, Rashid said the 1992 Thomas Cup squad only relied on two singles players and two doubles pairs and that was enough for them to win the prestigious Cup. Meanwhile, Rashid expressed his gratitude to UM for recognising him with the Sports Icon award, saying it will continue to drive him to contribute to the development of badminton in the country. "I will continue to be involved in the sport and, for now, as a coach. All the experience I have gained, I will share with the players," he said. – BERNAMA
Malay Mail
09-05-2025
- Sport
- Malay Mail
Rashid Sidek slams ‘all talk, no action' shuttlers, calls for stronger commitment and focus on 2026 Thomas Cup
KUALA LUMPUR, May 9 — National badminton legend Datuk Rashid Sidek has taken a swipe at a small group of national shuttlers for not walking the talk despite their proclamations of wanting to become world champions or be among the top 10 in world ranking. Describing this group of shuttlers as 'all talk but no action', he also lambasted them for their half-hearted efforts during training sessions. 'I'm not saying that the players are molly-coddled now, but what is their goal?' he said when met after receiving the recognition as a Sports Icon at the Universiti Malaya Sports Award Night yesterday. But it is not all gloom and doom though as Rashid is optimistic that the national badminton squad can serve up a tough fight in the 2026 Thomas Cup. To achieve that, however, he said the team must come up with the right strategy, particularly as they currently possess three strong men's doubles pairs who can contribute points. 'Definitely can (put up a strong fight in the Thomas Cup). We now have three solid pairs. If Lee Zii Jia can get a point in men's singles, we only need one more from the likes of Justin Hoh or Leong Jun Hao. 'With the right strategy and player lineup, we have a very good chance of emerging victorious. For me, if we are strong in four out of the five (three singles and two doubles) match-ups, that should be enough — lose one and the other three can make up for it,' he said. Reflecting on his past successes, Rashid said the 1992 Thomas Cup squad only relied on two singles players and two doubles pairs and that was enough for them to win the prestigious Cup. Meanwhile, Rashid expressed his gratitude to UM for recognising him with the Sports Icon award, saying it will continue to drive him to contribute to the development of badminton in the country. 'I will continue to be involved in the sport and, for now, as a coach. All the experience I have gained, I will share with the players,' he said. — Bernama
The Sun
09-05-2025
- Sport
- The Sun
Rashid slams shuttlers who are ‘all talk but no action'
KUALA LUMPUR: National badminton legend Datuk Rashid Sidek has taken a swipe at a small group of national shuttlers for not walking the talk despite their proclamations of wanting to become world champions or be among the top 10 in world ranking. Describing this group of shuttlers as 'all talk but no action', he also lambasted them for their half-hearted efforts during training sessions. 'I'm not saying that the players are molly-coddled now, but what is their goal?' he said when met after receiving the recognition as a Sports Icon at the Universiti Malaya Sports Award Night yesterday. But it is not all gloom and doom though as Rashid is optimistic that the national badminton squad can serve up a tough fight in the 2026 Thomas Cup. To achieve that, however, he said the team must come up with the right strategy, particularly as they currently possess three strong men's doubles pairs who can contribute points. 'Definitely can (put up a strong fight in the Thomas Cup). We now have three solid pairs. If Lee Zii Jia can get a point in men's singles, we only need one more from the likes of Justin Hoh or Leong Jun Hao. 'With the right strategy and player lineup, we have a very good chance of emerging victorious. For me, if we are strong in four out of the five (three singles and two doubles) match-ups, that should be enough - lose one and the other three can make up for it,' he said. Reflecting on his past successes, Rashid said the 1992 Thomas Cup squad only relied on two singles players and two doubles pairs and that was enough for them to win the prestigious Cup. Meanwhile, Rashid expressed his gratitude to UM for recognising him with the Sports Icon award, saying it will continue to drive him to contribute to the development of badminton in the country. 'I will continue to be involved in the sport and, for now, as a coach. All the experience I have gained, I will share with the players,' he said.
