PETALING JAYA: Badminton legend Datuk Seri Lee Chong Wei (pic) is set to head the Badminton Association of Malaysia’s (BAM) coaching and training committee.
The former world No. 1 men’s singles shuttler has emerged as the leading candidate for the post ahead of BAM’s council meeting in Kuala Lumpur today.
Chong Wei has long been on the radar of newly elected BAM president Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz, who had expressed interest in bringing him on board to help drive the association’s overall development when he was appointed as a council member on Aug 16.
Chong Wei has already been included as one of the council members.
Chong Wei’s inclusion is part of a strong line-up of influential figures expected to help realise Zafrul’s vision for BAM, with Chong Wei tipped to play a key role in player and coaching development.
Although he was not given a specific portfolio previously, Chong Wei’s willingness to return to serve BAM after his retirement in 2019 was already seen as a positive sign for Malaysian badminton.
Zafrul had earlier hinted that a major announcement would be made during today’s council meeting following discussions with representatives from all state badminton associations.
“I’ve met with all 15 state badminton associations. They have shared their views on BAM’s direction through the ‘Tangkis’ initiative.
“We’ve compiled all the input and will discuss it during our off-site meeting on Oct 18. After that, we’ll hold the council meeting to finalise and announce the details,” said Zafrul.
Apart from Chong Wei, BAM are also planning to bring in former NTV7 and Celcom CEO Datuk Seri Shazalli Ramly to strengthen their branding and marketing, Tan Sri Gooi Hoe Soon to oversee financial affairs with his vast experience in accounting and corporate finance, and Datuk Sunil Abraham to provide legal expertise.
