Several top professional coaches and players are happy to know that BAM are finally open to the idea of working closely with them. - NSTP file pic
Several top professional coaches and players are happy to know that BAM are finally open to the idea of working closely with them. - NSTP file pic

SEVERAL top professional coaches and players are happy to know that BAM are finally open to the idea of working closely with them.

It comes after the national body announced on Saturday that it was in the midst of drawing up a detailed plan to see how top pros can benefit from their facilities at the Academy Badminton Malaysia (ABM) in Bukit Kiara.

Former national singles coach Rashid Sidek believes the move to collaborate will foster a healthy ecosystem for Malaysian badminton.

"I think it is good that BAM are looking into ways to collaborate with independent players outside the national setup.

"It will be a win-win for all parties if it is a good plan. Having been a professional coach, I know that most players outside have no security. Sometimes, they do not even have a fixed venue for training.

"If BAM open up their facilities, then I think it is fair for them to come up with the criteria. They cannot just open up to everyone, then where is the class in that?

"If professional players must be of a certain ranking to enjoy the benefits, then it's good motivation for them to fight for that spot.

"There can be no more complaints about being left out because you need to prove yourself," Rashid told Timesport yesterday.

NSTP file pic
NSTP file pic

The 1992 Thomas Cup winner, who inspired para shuttler Cheah Liek Hou to historic Paralympic gold in Tokyo last year, is looking after the Para development team under the National Sports Council.

Another former national coach, Chin Eei Hui, who has been linked with a move back to BAM, admitted that it was a good move for the national body and independent players to work together.

However, Eei Hui declined to comment further until a detailed plan is drawn out.

"All I can say is it's a good idea for BAM to work with independent players. But, we need to know what BAM are willing to offer.

"Is it just sparring? Or other facilities at ABM? Will the independent players get to spar with the national players? Or will there be different timings for when they are allowed to use the facilities?

"All these are questions we don't have answers to yet," added Eei Hui, who oversees world No 10 men's doubles Ong Yew Sin-Teo Ee Yi, world No 11 mixed doubles Tan Kian Meng-Lai Pei Jing and Goh Soon Huat-Shevon Lai (No 14).

Shevon, who is bound for the World Championships in Tokyo next week, echoed her coach's sentiments.

"I would like to know what facilities exactly. If we are talking about the courts, then, yes, BAM has the best courts around.

"It would be great if top independent players could also access the sports science facilities like physiotherapy and ice baths that we do not have outside," said Shevon.

On Saturday, BAM president Tan Sri Norza Zakaria revealed that a plan is being drawn out to see how BAM can work closely with top independent players for a better ecosystem in the country.

While nothing has been cast in stone, it is understood that independent players will need to be of a certain ranking to enjoy the benefit.