KUALA LUMPUR: The Badminton Association of Malaysia's (BAM) intention to focus only on shuttlers between the ages of 16 and 19 in junior development, has garnered mixed reactions from various quarters.
On Saturday, Timesport reported that BAM may adopt a new approach after this year's Paris Olympics following claims that Malaysia's badminton standard has deteriorated.
The talk is that BAM will release all their senior players (to turn professional), while focusing more on development.
This move comes about after the heavy criticism directed at BAM following a series of poor performances by national players in recent tournaments.
Former BAM high performance director Datuk James Selvaraj is not convinced that most players can have successful professional careers under this new model.
"I do not disagree with the idea, yes, it's important to focus on the development of the sport. But how many 19 or even 20-year-olds will go on to become champions after they leave BAM?
"Sponsors will only be willing to sponsor a player if they have a name for themselves.
"One good example is independent mixed doubles pair Tan Kian Meng-Lai Pei Jing. They are struggling to secure sponsors now," said James.
Even the great Lee Chong Wei only started peaking when he was in his mid-20s.
Meanwhile, netizens also shared their thoughts and views on the possible shift.
Wilson Chew, a grassroots enthusiast, commented on NST Facebook page: "State association coaches' quality needs to be scrutinised to ensure grassroots players until 15 years old are scouted, trained, developed, and boosted within the top four badminton nations' training modules, combined with thorough quality monitoring systems.
"Top players and top pairs from each state must be sent to at least two out of these four competitions, namely Banthongyord, Jaya Raya, Pathumthani, and Woncheon to gauge the quality of the scouted talents and hired coaches.
"The quality of coaches, on their capabilities to train talent to be on par with Thailand, Taiwan and India, must be monitored at all times. If the players are better and on par with China, Japan, Indonesia, and South Korea, they should be upgraded to another level."
In addition to releasing players after they turn 19, the new set-up will see players retaining their access to world-class facilities at the Academy Badminton Malaysia (ABM), but at their own costs.
BAM will also still conduct selections for team events and multi-sport Games.
Previously, talented players would be absorbed into the national junior programme at the age of 13 and then transition to the senior squad at 18.
Last year, BAM announced the decision to decentralised the junior development programme by only absorbing players into ABM after they turn 16.
