KUALA LUMPUR – Badminton players under 16 years old will no longer be part of the Akademi Badminton Malaysia (ABM), effective next year.
The Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) said in a statement today that its junior development task force, led by deputy president Datuk V. Subramaniam, made the decision after consulting with ABM’s coaching director Rexy Mainaky and head of juniors Jeffer Rosobin.
The decision is based on research on the holistic development of junior athletes, which emphasises the importance of players under the age of 15 staying with their families for improved maturity, mental well-being, and focus during training.
“We believe that allowing players under the age of 15 to stay with their families is critical to the development of the players’ maturity and mental and emotional well-being.”
“As a result, they will be able to focus better on their training,” said Subramaniam in the statement.
The decision, which is in line with BAM president Tan Sri Mohamad Norza Zakaria’s vision, aims to work closely with clubs and state badminton associations to identify and support younger players in their development.
However, on a case-by-case basis, ABM will provide additional support to outstanding players under 16, allowing them to stay with their families while receiving monthly allowances, financial support for tournaments, and a monitored training programme with Rexy and Jeffer.
Norza praised the move, emphasising BAM’s commitment to decentralising badminton development.
“It gives our state associations, coaches, and parents at the grassroots the opportunity to work longer with young players, up to the age of 15 years old, before those selected are absorbed into ABM.
“This will ultimately widen the number of players undergoing systematic training and augur well for the future.”
Additionally, the task force highlighted the need for more national-level junior tournaments, assigning Rexy and Jeffer to study the number and types required for effective player development. – November 28, 2023