BAM development director Datuk Misbun Sidek. - NSTP file pic
BAM development director Datuk Misbun Sidek. - NSTP file pic

BAM development director Datuk Misbun Sidek is determined to see Malaysia continue their long standing tradition in producing world class junior shuttlers.

In order to achieve that, the national association have set in place programmes to ensure every junior player has a strong foundation.

Having already "lost" two years of junior-level competitions to the Covid pandemic, Misbun hopes the current batch of players have better luck this year.

On Monday, BAM welcomed 33 new players, aged 13-14. Another 20 will report for training at the Academy Badminton Malaysia next week.

These new recruits, who will join 34 current national junior players, will be under probation for the next six months.

Misbun said: "Prior to the pandemic, we have produced players at both Asian and world junior levels. We want to see this continue, and to provide the senior team with good players moving up the ranks.

"At junior level, it's not about stars. Instead we want to have a pool of players with strong basics in their technical game, physicality and ability.

"Last year we had a few players who were only 16, but were already doing well at Under-19 level. We want to produce more of this."

For the record, Malaysia have not come home empty-handed from the Asian Junior Championships or World Junior Championships since 2017. Justin Hoh was the last Malaysian to come out tops in the Under-17 boys' singles at the Asian Junior Championships in 2019, before junior tournaments were called off in 2020 and 2021.

Misbun said while the dates for this year's Asian Junior Championships are not finalised, he has already identified some potential players for the tournament.

"The World Junior Championships (Oct 17-30) will be held in Spain this year, but there has been no confirmation yet on the Asian Junior Championships.

"We have some potential players but I have not announced any names because I don't want the players to know yet. I want everyone to stay hungry and competitive."