PETALING JAYA: The 10-day centralised training camp for the Thomas and Uber Cup Finals in Herning, Denmark, may cost RM1.3mil but it is worth every sen.
That is the investment the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) are willing to make to ensure both the men’s and women’s squads prepare without distractions, according to Datuk Seri Lee Chong Wei.
The Finals will begin in Horsens, Denmark, on Friday.
“This is one of the best preparations for a world team event. The cost is about RM1.3mil ... it’s a lot, but it’s well spent,” said Chong Wei, who is BAM’s performance committee director.
“We have a 53-member team in Herning right now – players, coaches and support staff.
“And for the first time, we also have eight personnel from the National Sports Institute (NSI).
“The reports I’ve received so far are positive. The players have a good environment and platform to bond and that is key in a team event.
“This year, besides the Thomas Cup, we also have the team event at the Asian Games in Japan in September.
“I’m happy to see the seniors and youngsters supporting one another. The sparring players will return home before the Finals campaign begins to save cost.
“I also want to thank coach Kenneth Jonassen for making all the arrangements.”
Chong Wei added that the chilly weather in Herning, around 8°C, has also been beneficial for acclimatisation.
“It’s good that the players have time to get used to the environment there,” he said.
Chong Wei has opted to remain in Malaysia while monitoring the team’s progress.
“What’s the point of me going there? We can save some money. I will only go if the need arises,” he said.
“We have capable hands there with experienced coaches (Rexy Mainaky, Herry Iman Pierngadi, Jonassen, Tey Seu Bock and Rosman Razak) to manage the team.
“Besides, we also have seasoned campaigners like Aaron Chia, Soh Wooi Yik and Lee Zii Jia to inspire the others.
“Not all players like having officials around. It’s best to keep numbers to a minimum – too many can be a distraction.”
Currently, only team manager Datuk Chong Juong Chain, the Johor BA president, is with the squad, and will be joined by BAM secretary Datuk Kenny Goh, who will attend the Badminton World Federation (BWF) Annual General Meeting this week.
Malaysia last won the Thomas Cup in 1992.
