Accra:The Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) is exploring opportunities under Budget 2027, particularly the RM30 million Sports Matching Grant, to enhance tournament organization and provide more exposure for back-up players in collaboration with state associations and corporate partners.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, BAM president Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz emphasized the importance of this initiative in creating a competitive platform within Malaysia. This would allow local players to gain necessary experience before moving on to international competitions.

Tengku Zafrul noted that increasing the number of quality tournaments would offer local players opportunities to test their abilities, face stronger opponents, and gain valuable experience. This competitive exposure is crucial to address the reliance on a few star players and to establish a system for nurturing the next generation of athletes.

He highlighted that the focus should be on consistent talent development, quality coaching, and comprehensive sports science support to ensure that when current champions retire, there are skilled players ready to take their place. The long-term goal is to maintain the competitiveness of Malaysia's badminton ecosystem.

Tengku Zafrul also commented on the importance of increasing sports funding at the school level and establishing a strong development pathway to prevent young, identified talent from being overlooked. Additionally, he emphasized the ongoing preparation for the national badminton squad's participation in the 2027 SEA Games as a priority.

Prime Minister and Finance Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, when presenting Budget 2027, announced a total of RM240 million for preparations to host the 2027 SEA Games and ASEAN Para Games, along with RM460 million for national sports development. This includes support for high-performance sports programs, para-athletes, deaf sports, and the maintenance of sports facilities nationwide.

The RM30 million Sports Matching Grant is part of this allocation, aiming to encourage sports associations, clubs, and non-governmental organizations to organize high-performance sporting events.