YOUTH and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh defended her photo with Kunlavut Vitidsarn, saying that Malaysia is not a “sore loser” after the Thai badminton player defeated Lee Zii Jia.

She also emphasised the importance of sportsmanship following criticisms from Malaysian badminton fans.

Yeoh was accused of being “insensitive” and “unpatriotic” after posting the picture of Kunlavut, who beat Zii Jia in the men’s singles semi-final at the Paris Olympics.

“As a youth minister, it is my duty to instil a culture of healthy competition and to show that it is not about winning at all costs.

“I’m not focused solely on winning medals at any cost. We are not sore losers. There is nothing insensitive about acknowledging our rival’s strength after the competition.

“Sports teach us invaluable lessons about life, and this is why parents must encourage their children to participate in sports. They become stronger when they practise good sportsmanship,” she said.

Addressing accusations of bias towards foreign athletes, Yeoh also shared a photo of her congratulating Malaysian coaches after Japan’s Matsuyama Nami and Shida Chiharu defeated Pearly-Thinaah in the semi-final. – August 8, 2024.