PETALING JAYA: The 20-year wait for badminton gold at the Asian Games could be worth extra money for Malaysia’s shuttlers, with the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) considering a special incentive for gold medallists at the Aichi-Nagoya Games.
BAM president Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz said the association are looking into the idea as Malaysia bid to end a two-decade drought, with the country’s last badminton gold coming through men’s doubles pair Koo Kien Keat-Tan Boon Heong at the 2006 Doha Games.
“I didn’t realise it has been 20 years. That’s a long time. The National Sports Council (NSC) will definitely give an incentive and, of course, the government will also provide one.
“The question is whether BAM will do the same. We will look at what we can afford at the time. There has not been any discussion yet, but I think it is a good idea for us to look into it.
“We will also speak to BAM’s sponsors because they usually give incentives as well. Maybe we can talk to them and BAM can also see what we can afford, especially for a gold medal. I think it is a good idea,” said Tengku Zafrul after chairing the BAM Council meeting at the Academy Badminton Malaysia in Bukit Kiara yesterday.
BAM will also double the prize money for all national tournaments under its banner from January next year.
“We are increasing the prize money for national tournaments by 100%. We feel it is due for an increase, so the council members approved the increase for all national competitions.
“This is to give our Malaysian players more incentive and to strengthen our domestic competitions,” added Zafrul.
Among the other matters discussed were the appointment of a sports medicine director, early preparations for the 2027 Malaysia SEA Games and a move to have players aged 16 and above specialise in a single event.
