PETALING JAYA: National shuttlers staying at the Academy Badminton Malaysia should consider themselves lucky as they still have flexibility and freedom compared to their counterparts in other countries.
Badminton Association of Malaysia performance committee chairman Datuk Seri Lee Chong Wei said the governing body are not accepting reasons for players to opt not to live in the hostels in Bukit Kiara.
National shuttlers in other countries have to deal with much stricter rules than those imposed at the academy.
Chong Wei said he cannot accept reasons players have given for them not to stay in the hostels.
The president also cannot accept the reasons given by the players.
Chong Wei said this after the council meeting and annual general meeting of the association on Saturday (June 6).
In other countries such as China, all the national players have to stay in hostels.
In Malaysia, players who are married are given the flexibility to stay outside.
Men's doubles player Aaron Chia previously said even married players in China have to stay in the hostel.
Aaron, who is among the players allowed to commute from home due to family commitments, expressed his view that players need to follow the rules set within the national set-up.
Chong Wei added that players in the academy have their freedom, but they have to maintain discipline at the same time.
On Saturdays and Sundays, the players can go back home.
Even on regular days, they are allowed to go out.
However, they need to be back in the hostels by 10.30pm.
Exceptions are made if they have events such as award ceremonies.
Rules and discipline have to be adhered to by the association players.
