Kuala lumpur: Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) president Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz is set to unveil his strategic vision to elevate Malaysian badminton by the end of next month. Tengku Zafrul, who was elected unopposed to the post in May, has since embarked on a series of engagement sessions with key stakeholders including former players, to gather input and conduct a full stocktake of the current badminton ecosystem.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Tengku Zafrul described the engagement sessions as quite productive, noting that the positive response from various quarters shows a shared desire to improve the sport. He emphasized that while stakeholders may have different views, their willingness to share insights indicates a collective interest in enhancing the sport’s future.
Tengku Zafrul, who is also the Investment, Trade and Industry Minister, highlighted the need for setting targets for the next three, five, and ten years, acknowledging that improvements cannot be achieved overnight. In May, he requested a 100-day period to gather input from stakeholders, players, the coaching team, and sponsors before formulating a strategic and effective plan for the development of badminton in the country.
Discussions with stakeholders are ongoing, and Tengku Zafrul mentioned plans to include official consultations with the Youth and Sports Ministry, National Sports Council, and national coaches by the end of the month. He stressed the importance of understanding the current landscape before mapping out long-term goals, emphasizing that a comprehensive stocktake is necessary, covering aspects from finance to governance structure, and from players to coaches.
Tengku Zafrul underscored the necessity for each segment of the national badminton ecosystem, including sponsorship, grassroots development, infrastructure, and coaching, to be assessed and improved cohesively. He pointed out that progress in one area cannot compensate for weaknesses in others. He added that expectations for Malaysian badminton remain high among the public and stakeholders, and meeting those expectations would require a unified approach, structured planning, and a clear understanding of current capabilities.