Malaysia’s Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh has hit back at criticism after she publicly expressed admiration for a Thai badminton player who recently beat a Malaysian at the Paris Olympics. Despite facing criticism from some fans, Hannah Yeoh insisted that respecting and appreciating sporting talent is not only a worthy recognition but also reflects the true spirit of sportsmanship.
Hannah Yeoh was accused of being “insensitive” and “unpatriotic” after posting a photo with Kunlavut – who defeated Malaysia’s Lee Zii Jia in the men’s singles semi-final of the Paris Olympics – and expressing admiration for the Thai player.
One account cited a picture of Lee Zii Jia crying over missing the Olympic final after losing to Kunlavut, and questioned: “Your athlete, who fought for the country, just said that this defeat was a disaster for him. While you are here celebrating with the person who shattered your athlete dream. Please respect the athletes, respect the national team.”
Many critics said that Malaysia’s Youth and Sports Minister, Hannah Yeoh, was tactless when she publicly expressed her admiration for a Thai badminton player on social media. They said that while it is normal to admire an individual, in her role as a senior leader and the moral support of the Malaysian sports delegation in Paris, she should not have made this public. Responding to the criticism, Ms Yeoh stressed that it was completely normal for her to smile and take a photo with the Thai athlete, because the competition was over and the medal had been awarded to the deserving person.
“The spirit of sportsmanship is to accept defeat when everything is fair and to show respect to the opponent,” Ms Yeoh shared on social media. “I am not only the Sports Minister but also the Youth Minister. I am not someone who will do everything to win a medal. We are not bitter losers. Recognition The strength of the opponent after the competition is not a sign of indifference.”
Ms. Yeoh also emphasized: “Sports teach us valuable lessons about life, and that is why parents should encourage their children to participate in sports. Through training the spirit of sports, children will become stronger.”
Malaysian Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh smiles with Thai athlete Kunlavut (left) – Malaysian Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh poses with Malaysia’s Lee Zii Jia (right) at the men’s singles badminton semi-finals at the Paris Olympics
To refute the accusation of bias against foreign athletes, Ms. Yeoh posted a photo congratulating Malaysian coaches at a badminton match at the Paris Olympics.
After 12 days of official competition at the 2024 Olympics, Malaysian sports have only won 2 bronze medals, failing to complete the goal of winning the first gold medal in history set by Minister Hannah Yeoh and the country’s sports industry.
