KUALA LUMPUR — In recent weeks, Malaysian badminton has found itself in the spotlight for reasons beyond the court — from the high-profile split of top mixed doubles pair Chen Tang Jie and Toh Ee Wei, to the uncertainty surrounding Pearly Tan and M. Thinaah’s future with the national team.
What’s really going on behind the scenes at the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM)? And what could these changes mean for the sport’s direction — and its players — in the lead-up to the 2028 Olympics?
In this latest episode of Sport Check, Scoop sits down with two respected voices from the badminton world — former national players Datuk James Selvaraj and Chong Wei Feng — for an in-depth and honest conversation about the current state of Malaysian badminton.
Both veterans shared their thoughts on the growing trend of players going independent, the pressures of managing life outside the BAM system, and the increasing importance of having the right support structures in place.
They also weighed in on what’s missing from the national setup and why some players may be tempted to forge their own paths.
Wei Feng, now a coach and academy owner, opens up about turning down a coaching offer from BAM and why he chose to stay committed to his own team of rising juniors.
James, meanwhile, reflects on his experience in sports leadership and the hard choices faced by top players as they navigate the peak years of their careers.
Watch the full episode now on the PodaBoom YouTube channel or listen to it on Sport Check Spotify. — April 18, 2025