Tan Sri Norza Zakaria. -NSTP FILE/ASWADI ALIAS
Tan Sri Norza Zakaria. -NSTP FILE/ASWADI ALIAS

KUALA LUMPUR: Tan Sri Norza Zakaria has made a U-turn on his decision to step down as the BA Malaysia (BAM) president.

Instead of relinquishing his position this month, he will helm the national body until the 2024 Paris Olympics.

This comes following a special request by Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh for Norza to remain as president until after the Olympics.

"I want to thank YB Yeoh and her guidance also for her request for me to stay on as BAM president.

"After careful consideration and discussion with the BAM council, I have decided to remain as president.

"This is to ensure stability during the critical phase as we prepare for the Paris Olympic. The goal is the same to secure our first gold medal for Malaysia," said Norza after chairing the

BAM council meeting on Saturday at the Academy Badminton Malaysia (ABM) in Bukit Kiara.

Earlier, it was announced that Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz would assume the post after Norza's departure.

Norza, who also helms the Olympic Council of Malaysia, became BAM president in 2017, and his second term will run until 2025.