File pix: Pro Liew Daren (left) talking to his coach Rashid Sidek during the match against Jonatan Christie of Indonesia in the first round of Malaysian Masters at Axiata Arena at Bukit Jalil yesterday in 2020. - S.S.KANESAN/The Star
KUALA LUMPUR: National badminton legend Datuk Rashid Sidek has expressed his dismay over the involvement of former men’s singles shuttler Liew Daren and former National Sports Institute (NSI) analyst Jerry Gan in betting activities.
Rashid, who knows the duo, said it never crossed his mind that they would be involved in such an activity which has tarnished Malaysia's image in the world of badminton.
"Daren was a shuttler with a good personality. I watched him train more than 10 years ago, including when he was still a back-up player with the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM), but I never thought he would do such a thing," said Rashid.
"I'm sad (that this betting issue happened) and this has tarnished Malaysia's image somewhat. Suddenly, Malaysia is thrust into world attention again,” he said.
On Friday, the Badminton World Federation (BWF) suspended Daren for 12 months and Jerry for three months after they were found to have been involved in betting-related activities.
The BWF confirmed that Daren was involved in betting-related activities from 2018 to 2021.
Although the suspension would mean nothing to Daren, who retired last year, Rashid said the betting issue had, nonetheless, smeared the image of the 2018 world championship bronze medallist.
Rashid also said that the issue has jeopardised the future of Jerry's career as those who want to hire him (Jerry) may have trust issues.
Rashid, the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games bronze medallist hopes the betting issue does not recur in the country.
Meanwhile, another former national shuttler, Datuk James Selvaraj, who admitted to being upset by Daren's involvement, advised national shuttlers to be wary of falling into illegal activities that may derail their playing careers.
The former BAM high-performance director said every player must distance himself or herself from betting-related activities because they can not only derail one's career but can also be addictive.
Malaysian badminton was rocked in 2018 when former shuttlers Zulfadli Zulkiffli and Tan Chun Seang were found guilty by BWF of match-fixing.
Zulfadli and Chun Seang were each banned for 20 and 15 years respectively for the offence. - BERNAMA
