PETALING JAYA: Men’s doubles player Mohd Haikal Nazri (pic)has dismissed rumours that he plans to leave the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM).
The 24-year-old, who denied claims that he had submitted a resignation letter to BAM, said he remains fully committed to the national team, even as he begins a new partnership with Bryan Jeremy Goonting.
“I didn’t submit any letter to leave BAM. My focus now is on my new partner, and we’ll be competing in the Thailand Open,” he said.
Men’s doubles head coach Herry Iman Pierngadi also rejected claims that Haikal would leave the national set-up to turn independent.
“That’s not true. Haikal is still with BAM,” said Herry.
Currently, national players who choose to leave BAM before their contracts end must pay a hefty compensation fee, ranging from RM300,000 to RM500,000, depending on their world ranking.
They may also face a two-year suspension from international competitions.
Haikal is currently ranked world No. 29 with his former partner, Choong Hon Jian.
The pair, who teamed up in August 2023, showed early promise by winning three titles together, including the Syed Modi International, Guwahati Masters and their biggest win, the Orleans Masters.
However, after both players struggled with injuries last year, their confidence dipped and their performances suffered. They eventually decided to part ways and requested new partners.
So far, two players have left the national squad this year – women’s doubles player Go Pei Kee, who resigned in January, and mixed doubles player Hoo Pang Ron, who was released by BAM last week.
