PETALING JAYA: The parents of the 16 young shuttlers controversially denied spots in the Junior Elite Tour, starting on Wednesday, have been left bitterly disappointed with the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) firm with their decision.
Putrajaya Badminton Association (PJBA) president Datuk Seri Khairudin Samad has appealed to BAM to allow the players play under the Putrajaya banner.
In fact, the draw for the tournament was released yesterday with the 16 names still missing.
The players aged between 11-16 have been representing Putrajaya for at least two years but have been denied entry to the tournament because they are merely schooling in Selangor.
Parents were heartbroken as the decision would affect their children’s future in badminton.
“My daughter has been training hard every day and looks up to our top women’s doubles pair Pearly Tan-M. Thinaah,” said a parent, who did not wish to be named.
“She has a Putrajaya state ID since two years ago and was eager to compete. Unfortunately, all can’t compete because they are schooling in Selangor.
“What is wrong if our children study in Selangor but play for Putrajaya? In the future, they will be representing Malaysia after all.
“Our children wake up at 4.30am to train and go to school as well. Their lives only consist of badminton and school and hardly spend time with the family or enjoy holidays.
“They know that they need to make sacrifices if they were to realise their dreams of playing for the country one day.
“My daughter cried the whole night and asked me whether she could play in the Junior Elite Tour? How can BAM punish me when I’ve done nothing wrong? As a parent, I don’t know what to answer her,” added the parent.
The parents are still hoping that BAM president Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz will step in and allow their children to compete.
“I really hope the BAM president will help our children urgently,” said the parent.
