PETALING JAYA: The Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) are open to having the shuttlers under the association sparring with the independent players.
Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh had called on BAM players to have sparring sessions with independent players in the Road to Gold (RTG) programme for the benefit of the country's badminton.
Currently, the independent pairs in RTG are world No. 4 Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani (men's doubles) and world No. 9 Goh Soon Huat-Shevon Lai Jemie (mixed doubles).
The BAM pairs in RTG are world No. 2 Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik, world No. 5 Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun (men's doubles) reigning world champions Chen Tang Jie-Toh Ee Wei (mixed doubles) and world No. 2 Pearly Tan-M. Thinaah (women's doubles).
BAM secretary Datuk Kenny Goh said the national body have no issues with this joint collaboration.
"Having sparring sessions between BAM and independent players is not something new. We have done this before," said Kenny.
"During the Covid-19 pandemic, we invited independent players to train together (at the Academy Badminton Malaysia in Bukit Kiara). Even after that, we have extended this invitation.
"We don't have any problems with this but we need to talk to the coaches first as I only saw Hannah's statement yesterday (Monday)."
Kenny said he will need to discuss with doubles coaching director Rexy Mainaky and RTG coordinator Datuk Stuart Ramalingam on the details of the sparring sessions.
Kenny also believes that issues that could arise due to the different sponsors of the independent pairs can be solved.
BAM players are sponsored by Yonex while Sze Fei-Izzuddin and Soon Huat-Shevon are supported by Victor.
"As the badminton governing body in the country, we are always open to working together for the benefit of our country's badminton," said Kenny.
"I believe this is also Hannah's intention. For me, there are no issues in terms of sponsorships.
"We can talk to our sponsors. This is not a problem that cannot be solved."
