BAM plays down Peng Soon-Liu Ying's departure from national team

PETALING JAYA: The Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) has insisted that the shocking resignation of national mixed doubles ace Chan Peng Soon-Goh Liu Ying is not a big blow to the national team.

BAM secretary-general Datuk Ng Chin Chai said the departure of the world No. 6 and Rio Olympics silver medallists does not make any difference as they will still be representing the country.

"It's okay to us. Although they quit to go independent, they are still playing for the country," said Chin Chai.

"I believe they will continue to play until the Tokyo Olympics. If they qualify, we will definitely let them play."

Chin Chai said the decision of Peng Soon-Liu Ying did not come as a surprise as the officials and coaches were made aware of their intention.

"There have been informal talks between the pair with their coaches for the past one month. 

"Peng Soon and Liu Ying were considering their options for quite a while and they have finally made up their mind by resigning," said Chin Chai, who is also the chairman of the coaching and training committee (CNT).

"Recently, we are reducing the headcount in the national team and we've been putting a lot of pressure on our senior players.

"We set a higher KPI and made it clear that they must perform in every tournament. With that, they probably can't take the heat."

Chin Chai added that their resignation is also seen as a win-win situation for both BAM and the players.

He said that it cost BAM a lot to retain the senior shuttlers and believes the money would be better invested in developing young players.

"It's not easy for us to keep the senior players because they cost us a lot of money. So, it is good in a way that they are no longer with BAM," he said.

"We may now invest more on young players. It's the young shuttlers that need our help, unlike them (senior players), they don't really need us to assist them on finance and training.

"With their statures, they should have no problem in getting sponsors. They are also mature enough to train on their own and take care of themselves.

"In fact, they may be able to perform even better outside as it's more relaxed and the pressure is less."

Asked if BAM fear there could be more senior players following suit, Chin Chai said BAM will not stop them from leaving.

"We have not received any other resignation besides Peng Soon and Liu Ying for now. Maybe there is, we don't know. BAM will not stand in their way," he said.