PETALING JAYA: It is always special when world-class players give back to their home state.
That was exactly what professional men’s doubles player Teo Ee Yi did when he took the opportunity to return to Johor to share his experience with state players.
The programme, organised by the Johor Badminton Association (JHBA), was held on Saturday (March 28) at Arena Badminton Johor in Taman Perling.
Apart from sharing his experience, Muar-born Ee Yi also took to the court to train with the Johor players.
“The programme aims to provide motivation and exposure to Johor players through a sharing session by Teo Ee Yi, a Johor-born player who is currently active on the international stage.
“Ee Yi has become an icon and inspiration for Johor badminton players, especially in men’s doubles,” said JHBA in a statement.
Ee Yi’s presence further lifted the spirits of Johor’s players, many of whom are eager to follow in his footsteps and rise to become world-class shuttlers.
Johor has long been one of the more active states in producing quality players, including Nur Izzuddin Rumsani, Yap Roy King and Ng Tze Yong, as well as former men’s singles player Iskandar Zulkarnain Zainuddin, who is now the national women’s singles head coach.
As such, JHBA is open to inviting more national players from the state to be involved in grassroots and development programmes.
“JHBA remains committed to inviting national players from Johor to be involved in the state’s badminton development programmes, particularly in motivating and sharing their experiences with young players,” it added.
