PETALING JAYA: Malaysia’s top professional shuttlers under the Road to Gold (RTG) programme are set to get a new training base by early next year, with discussions already in the final stages.
RTG coordinator Datuk Stuart Ramalingam said his team have been working closely with coaches and athletes to secure a strategic, well-equipped venue – but finding the right location hasn’t been easy.
"The communication between the RTG Secretariat and the professional coaches, especially Teo Kok Siang, has been ongoing since the request was first made.
"One key consideration is the distance of the venue from their regular gym, the support services at NSI (National Sports Institute), and other facilities they require. The venue cannot be too far away," said Stuart.
So far, four venues have been shortlisted, including facilities at the National Sports Council (NSC) in Bukit Jalil, Juara Stadium in Bukit Kiara, and two privately-owned badminton centres in the Klang Valley.
"Another factor is the readiness of the venue. We need to know if it is available for long-term booking on short notice. For example, Juara Stadium is scheduled to host a World Cup lawn bowls event and the courts are already booked for other activities during the sporting season.
"So we are looking at different venue options. For now, everything is moving along smoothly because the pro athletes are still receiving the additional sports science support they need at their current training base.
"Hopefully, we can finalise a solution by the end of this year and have a new training venue in place by early next year," he added.
In June, professional doubles players under the RTG programme, including world No. 2 men’s pair Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani and mixed doubles duo Goh Soon Huat-Shevon Lai Jemie, had called for a more conducive training environment.
Until the new venue is confirmed, the RTG professionals will continue training at Endah Parade in Sri Petaling.
