Zolkples Embong regrets his flare-up on Lee Chong Wei’s absence on annual award ceremony
Malaysia’s Zolkples Embong, who is director general of National Sports Council (NSC), apologised for his outburst in which he criticised on World Number 1 Lee Chong Wei for not showing up in the annual award ceremony.
Zolkples also said that had the prize money had been RM 200,000 Chong Wei would have attended the ceremony.
On the other hand, Chong Wei said that he did not attend the award ceremony because he suffered with fever which got worst in the evening as he also worked in two training sessions in that day.
Zolkples criticised him for not showing up in the ceremony where Chong Wei was announced Sportsman of the Year for the third time.
However, Zolkples apologised for his outburst after having a face-to-face meeting with Chong Wei in which the shuttler explained his physical condition.
After having the meeting, Zolkples said that he did not really know the actual condition of Chong Wei and that he is sorry for his remarks that he said for Chong Wei.
He also appreciated that Chong Wei himself came to him and apologised for not attending the ceremony. He also said that he has a father-son like relationship with Chong Wei.
He said, “It was a big event and I did not take time to understand his situation. I did not get a complete picture through his text message. It is a miscommunication. He did not tell me the reason (the extent of his illness) and I jumped to conclusions.”
He further added, “Today (yesterday), he explained to me in depth about his absence. He had fever but he still had to train on Tuesday but that was just to sweat it out. His fever got worse in the evening. I also extend my apology if my words had hurt him.”
Zolkples wants Chong Wei to remain focused in his preparations for Olympic Games as he does not want the shuttler to suffer with any distraction that can affect his concentration.
Before Olympics, Chong Wei will participate in the upcoming events of India Open Super Series, Malaysia Open Grand Prix Gold and Thomas Cup Finals.
Tags: