PETALING JAYA: Promising junior shuttlers aged 16 and 17 may be fast-tracked directly into the national senior squad under a new restructuring plan by the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM).
Performance committee chairman Datuk Seri Lee Chong Wei said the move, proposed by national singles coaching director Kenneth Jonassen, is part of a revamped national programme and will apply across all departments, not just singles.
“Kenneth (Jonassen) has a solid plan for all the players and the overall structure. We have discussed this with Kenneth, and I feel that in the junior ranks, if we identify players aged 16 or 17 with strong potential for the future, we will fast track them straight into the national team,” said Chong Wei.
Chong Wei explained that the new structure allows BAM to accelerate the development of standout talents in singles, doubles and mixed doubles, ensuring they receive elite-level exposure earlier.
“If we see a future in a player, we won’t hesitate to promote them,” he added.
The move is also part of a long-term plan to prepare for the Olympic cycle beyond Brisbane 2032, ensuring Malaysia continues to have credible players capable of competing at the world’s biggest sporting stage.
Chong Wei said he did not expect major changes in terms of names qualifying for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics or the 2032 Brisbane Games. However, with a structured plan to identify and develop young talents, the line-up for subsequent editions could look very different.
“We already know roughly who will feature in 2028 and 2032, but for 2036 and beyond, we must start planning now.
“Junior development is critical,” he said, adding that talent identification must begin at the school level before players enter the national system.
Chong Wei also confirmed that BAM are continuing to restructure their coaching set-up, including the promotion of Datuk Tey Seu Bock from junior singles head coach to lead the senior team, with more coaching appointments expected.
