By Lin Ming Hua
Sin Chew Daily, Nov 10, 2014

No miracle on Lee Chong Wei’s sample B urine test. He may face penalty. What more comforting to know is that fans and Malaysians are rallying behind him, bless him, encourage him and motivate him. Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) supports him by deciding to provide all sorts of assistance.

On doping test incident, it is extremely rare to see fans, Malaysians and the relevant association supporting the sportsman.

Of course, this is not to condone nor defend and to spare him but there must be a reason.

First as the No 1 badminton player in world ranking, Chong Wei has never taken a short cut. His hard work, effort and contribution are witnessed by all.

Secondly, Malaysians are proud of his achievement, his humility and his persistence. He is seen as a role model.

Thirdly, he is the icon of unity transcending race. In Malaysian society where everything is being racialized, he is a force to unite all. Whenever there is a final in world class competition, at least, people put aside racial difference to cheer and encourage each other for the sake of national glory.

Fourthly, people believe that the drug dexamethasone remains found in his urine was not used to enhance his performance but the outcome of his injury treatment. Dexamethasone is not a banned drug but a medication allowed to be used for treatment.

Nevertheless since Dexamethasone is listed as banned drug by Badminton World Federation and Chong Wei has offended the ruling, he would have to face the outcome. The only thing he can do now is to get ready for attending the enquiry or filing an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport. If Chong Wei can prove that the remnants of the drug found in his urine is used for treatment, he will still have a chance to receive minimum penalty to be reprimanded or warning, escaping being banned from taking part in competition.

We can understand Chong Wei’s anxiety and mixed feelings at this moment. At the age of 32 he may have surpassed his peak. But his skills and style on badminton court is still outstanding in badminton sector. All badminton fans are earnestly expecting to see him battling out with Lin Dan again in Olympics 2016.

Despite fresh faces are emerging, especially Chen Long, a tough opponent for Chong Wei, fans are still regarding Chong Wei and Lin Dan as the two giants in badminton unable to be replaced by anyone. The battles between them become classics in badminton, fascinating and exciting to many fans.

Chong Wei loses few times to Lin Dan. But each time when he is toppled, he rises to fight again. His fighting spirit has moved many of us and has since made badminton even more exciting. If he is to be banned for two years for failing doping test, he will be absent from 2016 Olympics. By then, Lin Dan will lose a great opponent. The badminton world will be less exciting due to Chong Wei’s absence.

Chong Wei and his failure of doping test are great impact to sports in Malaysia. I am of the view that all individuals who are related to Chong Wei’s incident should not be spared. BAM should be tracing those who are accountable and find loopholes in our weaknesses on mechanism in countering banned drug usage to prevent a repeat of similar event. While supporting Chong Wei, we should also try hard to practice.

Original Source: 挺宗偉，追責任