KUALA LUMPUR: The BA of Malaysia (BAM) have extended their partnership with Ehime Prefecture, located in the south of Japan.
The partnership with the prefecture began in 2018.
BAM president Tan Sri Norza Zakaria said the partnership had a positive impact and would benefit the national senior and youth players when they undergo training stints in Ehime.
"Today is historic as we continue this partnership between BAM and Ehime to further develop the sport in both countries. It is a win-win relationship for us. Aside from being an amazing tourist destination, Ehime is a conducive location as a developing sports city."
Norza said BAM were thankful to Ehime Prefecture Governor Tokohiro Nakamura, Japanese ambassador to Malaysia Katsuhiko Takahashi and the people of Ehime for their resounding support when the national players were in Japan for the Tokyo Olympics last year.
Malaysia won a bronze medal in the men's doubles through Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik in Tokyo.
BAM and Ehime had sealed the partnership in July 2018 with the prefecture selected out of 47 prefectures, due to its state-of-the-art facilities, as Malaysia's official training base in preparation for the Tokyo Olympics.
For the record, since the partnership began, there have been three training camps in Ehime involving 60 senior and junior players in 2018 and 2019.
Ehime Prefecture is located on the island of Shikoku, some 800km from Tokyo.
