Kuala lumpur: Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) will consider providing a special incentive for any shuttler who wins the gold medal at the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, which will be held from Sept 19-Oct 4. Its president, Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz, said this was part of its efforts to motivate the shuttlers to give their best on the Asiad stage.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, there are only a few days left before the Games begin. BAM has been waiting for the badminton gold medal for 20 years. The association will consider a special incentive should Malaysian shuttlers bring home the gold medal from Aichi-Nagoya. Tengku Zafrul emphasized the need to do what is necessary to give players the best chance to succeed, as stated in a statement uploaded to Facebook today.

Meanwhile, Tengku Zafrul announced that BAM would also increase cash prizes by 100 percent for all national championships starting next year, including junior tournaments, to provide a bigger incentive for the shuttlers and make the domestic meets more competitive. With prize money doubled, players are expected to be doubly determined. BAM is also seeking a full-time director of Sports Science and Medicine to offer more comprehensive support to players, covering performance, rehabilitation, and healthcare.

In terms of talent development, shuttlers aged 16 and above who are eligible to play in singles and doubles will now need to choose either one to focus on fully. This decision aims to open more opportunities for other shuttlers. The men's doubles pair Koo Kien Keat and Tan Boon Heong were the last Malaysians to win the badminton gold medal at the 2006 edition of the Asian Games in Doha. At the 2022 edition in Hangzhou, Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik returned home with the bronze medal. With badminton among the sports expected to deliver medals, Malaysia is targeting six golds, seven silvers, and 20 bronzes at Asiad 2026.