Kuala Lumpur: Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh has expressed confidence in the leadership of Datuk Ahmad Shapawi Ismail as the new chairman of the National Athletes Welfare Foundation (YAKEB). She said the former National Sports Council (NSC) director-general’s vast experience in sports administration would come in handy in protecting the welfare of former national athletes and ensuring they receive proper support.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Hannah appointed Ahmad Shapawi because of his experience regarding athletes in the country. She has also appointed other former athletes to assist him. She expressed gratitude to former YAKEB chairman Datuk Noorul Ariffin Abdul Majeed for his services, believing that the good measures put in place by Datuk Noorul will be maintained by Datuk Ahmad Shapawi.

Hannah made these remarks after officiating the launch of the Pickleball Stadium at the Kenanga Wholesale City Fashion Mall. On Sunday, Ahmad Shapawi was officially appointed to succeed Noorul Ariffin, who had led YAKEB since 2019.

Ahmad Shapawi will be supported by the YAKEB board of directors for the 2025-2027 term, which includes Hafiz Mat Ramly from the Ministry of Finance, Chan Hong Jin from KBS, and Dr Ahmad Munawwar Helmi Salim from the National Sports Institute. Other board members include Normala Abdul Rashid, Sharon Wee Ee Li, R. Sharmendran, and former national shuttler Soo Beng Kiang.

In another development, Hannah expressed confidence that the national shuttlers can achieve positive results in the 2025 All England Badminton Championships, which will begin in Birmingham, England, tomorrow. She highlighted the presence of new coaches and professional shuttlers representing the country, emphasizing their skills and the need for composure to face the challenges in the All England.