PETALING JAYA: There should be no issues for the 16 players representing Putrajaya to compete in the Junior Elite Tour tournament from Feb 4 in Johor if they have been playing for the state before this.
This is Negri Sembilan Badminton Association (NSBA) president and former Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) development committee chairman Datuk Ng Chin Chai’s belief following the controversial removal of the names of 16 players from the tournament list.
Earlier, Putrajaya Badminton Association (PJBA) president Datuk Seri Khairudin Samad had questioned BAM deputy president and chairman of tournament Datuk V. Subramaniam’s decision to remove the players’ names on the basis that most of them were schooling in Selangor but representing Putrajaya.
Khairuddin had argued that the players aged between 11 and 16 have been part of the Putrajaya state team since they were around seven and have been representing the state to compete in national junior tournaments previously.
Said Chin Chai: "To my understanding, the players who have been representing Putrajaya previously can continue to play for the state.
"I heard about this issue. I’m not sure if all the players have been playing for Putrajaya before this, but if they have been representing the state, then they should be eligible to continue doing so."
A parent of one of the players denied entry in the tournament said that all 16 players have been representing Putrajaya for at least two years.
"Out of the 16 players, 14 are schooling in Selangor, one in Kuala Lumpur and one more in Bukit Jalil Sports School (BJSS)," said the parent who wished to remain anonymous.
"All the players have been competing in national junior tournaments for at least two years. There have been no issues previously.
"Only at the end of last year, BAM sent us a letter stipulating that the players must represent the state where they are schooling.
"Now, we are stuck in a limbo. If our children cannot compete in the Junior Elite Tour, they will not be able to play in the Grand Prix event in June too.
"If we are building talent for Malaysia, why are we doing this kind of state level separation? We should be building talents from all states
"After all, the players will be representing Malaysia, not a certain state in the future," added the parent.
The 16 players are now hoping that BAM will overturn the decision and allow them to compete in the tournament.
