On 19 December 2021, a young man by the name of Loh Kean Yew made history by becoming the first Singaporean to win the Badminton World Federation World Championships.
But besides the plaudits and admiration he received, Loh walked away empty-handed.
See, the Badminton World Federation World Championships is one of two major events in the sport—the other being the Olympics—that does not offer any prize money.
While Loh doesn’t seem overly concerned about this, the public thought it unfair, and banded together to raise over $75,000 for him.
Now, it seems that these donations could go up to six zeroes.
Loh Kean Yew Might Get $1 Million Bonus for His World Championships Win
Thanks to the crowdfunding exercise, Loh could end up getting $1 million in sponsorship and donations from benefactors.
Launched on 2 Jan by Wei Chan, a Singapore Badminton Association (SBA) management committee member and fan of the sport, the public donation drive has attracted 580 donors who have contributed a total of $130,000 as of yesterday.
This then went up to $250,000 thanks to contributions from the SBA and its apparel sponsor Li-Ning, as well as from business leaders in Singapore.
But the SBA is not done yet, as it’s in the process of negotiating a multi-year deal which could see Loh getting $1 million.
Saw Himself in Loh
Chan said he felt compelled to start the crowdfunding exercise as he saw a little of himself in Loh.
Just like Loh, Chan had started playing badminton at a young age. He also played friendly matches with his father at the front gate of his house.
“I felt compelled to do something to thank him for what he has achieved for himself and Singapore, and further encourage him towards his badminton hope and dreams. This arduous journey to the apex is long and most times lonely,” he said.
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“Money Didn’t Cross my Mind”
Loh, being the sport-focused, humble man that he is, said money was not the driving factor behind his win in Spain, and that the lack of prize money didn’t dampen his spirits.
“This is not within my control. I didn’t expect to win, so money didn’t cross my mind. For me, it’s about playing the best I can, and hoping to perform,” he said.
“I’m just glad to put the Singapore flag into the history books and we got to hear Majulah Singapura at the World Championships.”
Spoken like a true world champion.
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