PETALING JAYA: Badminton Association of Malaysia's (BAM) planned national squad reshuffle could open the door for younger shuttlers to make their mark as the association shift their focus towards the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Performance committee chairman Datuk Seri Lee Chong Wei believes developing the next generation must be a priority, particularly with Malaysia struggling to produce consistent results in men’s singles.
“Perhaps it’s time we focus more on the younger generation,” said Chong Wei.
He said a new structure would be discussed at BAM’s council meeting in December, with changes to the national squad expected to make room for emerging talent.
“We have a council meeting in December. We are working on a new structure as part of preparations for the 2028 Olympics.”
While the reshuffle will involve tough decisions on which players to drop, Chong Wei sees it as a necessary step to give newcomers a chance.
“We will definitely have to cut some players. Why? Because new players are coming into the national team, so some players must leave to make space.”
He stressed that the coaches would decide which players to recommend for the chop, with the committee having the final say.
“The coaches will submit the names and then the committee will approve it,” said Chong Wei, who confirmed he would not decide which players were put forward.
The planned changes come after a strong October for Malaysia’s doubles players on the international circuit.
Pearly Tan-M. Thinaah won the women’s doubles title at the Denmark Open, while Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun captured the men’s doubles crown at the French Open.
However, the picture is less encouraging in Chong Wei’s former event, men’s singles.
“I agree that we don’t have strong results on the singles side now.
“At the senior level, we only have Leong Jun Hao and Justin Hoh but they’re not consistent.”
Jun Hao, 27, and Justin, 22, have endured a string of early exits this season, with the latter’s quarter-final appearances at the Australian and Taipei Opens among the few bright spots.
With the 2028 Olympics in sight, BAM’s reshuffle could give younger players the chance to stake their claim for a place in the national squad.
