NATIONAL badminton legend Datuk Seri Dr Lee Chong Wei is set to realise his latest mission with the inaugural edition of the Lee Chong Wei Cup (LCWC) — a grassroots development championship taking place this year.
The tournament has also secured the support of Chinese automotive brand Chery as its official sponsor.
A Platform Built for Grassroots Talent Development
The LCWC Championship was established as a youth talent development platform, featuring three age categories:
- Under 13
- Under 15
- Under 17
Five main disciplines will be contested:
- Men’s Singles
- Women’s Singles
- Men’s Doubles
- Women’s Doubles
- Mixed Doubles
Backed by the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM), the inaugural edition will be held in a single-leg format with a total prize pool of RM100,000 — among the most lucrative rewards available at the local junior level.
Champions will also receive the opportunity to attend a trial session at the Badminton Academy Malaysia (ABM).
Lee Chong Wei: Giving Back to the Sport
Chong Wei said the championship is his effort to shape a new generation of athletes who are not only excellent on the court, but also disciplined and competitive in character.
Over a career spanning nearly two decades, he built an extraordinary record:
- 349 weeks ranked world number one
- 199 consecutive weeks (2008 to 2012)
- Three Olympic silver medals
- 69 Badminton World Federation (BWF) titles
These achievements place Chong Wei among the most influential sporting icons in the history of world badminton.
Chery Strengthens Its Commitment to Community and Youth
Chery’s involvement in the LCWC Championship reflects the brand’s strategy to deepen its community impact and support youth development in Malaysia.
As one of the fastest-growing international automotive brands in the local market, Chery has previously supported Malaysian Olympic medallists at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, as well as the national contingent at the 2025 Asian Youth Para Games.
This collaboration illustrates how automotive brands are increasingly becoming active participants in the national sports development ecosystem — going well beyond products and sales.
BAM’s Endorsement
BAM President Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz described the LCWC Championship as a significant addition to the country’s grassroots development system.
He said the tournament is more than just a competition — it is a platform to broaden access and strengthen Malaysia’s long-term talent development pipeline.
The launch of the LCWC Championship marks a new phase in the development of national badminton, with strategic corporate participation from brands like Chery adding genuine value to the sporting ecosystem.
Further details on tournament dates and venues will be announced in due course.
