Kuala Lumpur: Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh has expressed hope that newly-elected Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) president Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz will create more space for former national players to contribute their insights and expertise towards the sport’s development. She emphasized the importance of engaging with former players, considering the evolving landscape of international badminton.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Hannah mentioned that the industry is changing and that badminton today is not the same as it was in the past. She suggested that Tengku Zafrul should not rely solely on the association but also reach out to former players who remain active in the sport to better understand the realities on the ground. Her comments came after the 2024 National Sports Award ceremony.
Tengku Zafrul officially assumed the role of BAM president last Saturday, following his unanimous, uncontested election at the association’s Annual General Meeting. Hannah expressed confidence in Tengku Zafrul’s ability, given his role as Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry, to bring substantial funding to BAM. She noted that Malaysia’s sports ecosystem requires significant funding, and not everyone can hold that position because it depends on the individual’s efforts to bring in the funds.
Hannah also hopes that Tengku Zafrul will work to retain as many players as possible under the BAM umbrella. Speculation has been rife regarding the national number one women’s doubles pair Pearly Tan-M. Thinaah, whose contracts with BAM ended last December, potentially leaving the national governing body. BAM deputy president 1, Datuk V. Subramaniam, mentioned that a decision on their future would be made following their return from the Thailand Open 2025.
In another development, Hannah plans to meet professional men’s singles player Lee Zii Jia to get feedback on his recent inclusion in the Road to Gold (RTG) programme. She also stated that the latest list of athletes under the RTG initiative will be announced by the end of May.