KUALA LUMPUR: BAM coaching director, Rexy Mainaky, said there should not be a shortage in the talent pool, even after the national body raises the acceptance age for junior players from 13 to 16.
Beginning next year, only players aged 16 and above will be absorbed into the national junior programme at the Academy Badminton Malaysia (ABM) in Bukit Kiara.
Shuttlers below the age of 16 will continue to stay with their families, and be attached to their respective State BAs.
With a wealth of experience, both as a player and coach, Rexy was among the subject matter experts, alongside BAM head of juniors, Jeffer Rosobin, who shared their inputs with the special task force, before a final decision was made.
Apart from Malaysia, Rexy, a former Olympic and world champion, had coached in his home country Indonesia, England, the Philippines and Thailand.
According to Rexy, most leading countries do not absorb their junior players at a young age.
"In Indonesia and Thailand, the players are all attached to their respective clubs. There are many clubs.
"In England and the Philippines, it's still similar but at a smaller scale.
"What I want to say is it is crucial for young players to still be with their families. To mature first before joining the national team.
"If they join too early, and experience homesickness, it's going to be very difficult to have them train at a certain level," said Rexy.
On Tuesday, BAM issued a statement to announce that the national junior programme at the ABM will only accept players over the age of 15 from 2024.
BAM president Tan Sri Norza Zakaria said the move, mooted by the BAM task force, will allow state associations, coaches and parents at the grassroots the opportunity to work longer with young players before they are absorbed into the national setup.
However, players aged 14 and 15, who are already with ABM, will remain at the national training centre.
