Malaysia's women doubles shuttlers Pearly Tan and M. Thinaah. — ART CHEN/The Star
PETALING JAYA: Going independent may sound enticing but it’s not a journey for the faint-hearted.
The future of national women’s doubles pair Pearly Tan-M. Thinaah is set to be decided on May 10 (Saturday) when the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) holds their annual general meeting, amid talk that the duo are planning to leave the national body and turn professionals.
However, Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh has advised the pair to think twice before taking the plunge, warning that the independent route comes with a host of challenges.
“For badminton players, they need to consider the entire ecosystem and the support available not just the sponsorships offered to them. They also need strong discipline and regular intervention, especially as doubles players," said Hannah.
“When they’re part of the association, everything is taken care of. For professional players, the ministry, through the National Sports Council (NSC), do provide assistance grants if they qualify for the Olympics, but it’s not much.
“Once they become professionals, they are responsible for securing their own funding to pay for coaches.
“That’s why I don’t think this path is suitable for every player.
“I urge them to think very carefully before making the decision to leave BAM," said Hannah.
Rumours that Pearly Tan and M. Thinaah are planning to leave the BAM have been swirling for the past month, especially after the duo have yet to sign new contracts with the national body.
So far, however, both BAM and players have remained tight-lipped about their future and have yet to make any public statements.
