The Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) have outlined a plan for independent shuttlers such as Lee Zii Jia and Goh Jin Wei to return to the Academy Badminton Malaysia (ABM).
The proposal, subject to approval from the professional shuttlers and their coaches, would allow them to access ABM facilities and to train with the national shuttlers.
BAM high performance director Dr. Tim Jones feels it is a move to converge “the best of both worlds”.
“I’m working through the draft with the coaching directors [Wong Choong Hann and Rexy Mainaky] on a way that opening up the ABM facilities can be mutually beneficial. In terms of timeline, I would like something drafted by the end of this week.
“We will look to engage with the independent players as we need to see it from both sides,” Jones told New Straits Times.
BAM president Norza Zakaria had earlier mooted the idea of this collaboration but stated the shuttlers must be of equal strength and ranking to train together.
On paper, this move benefits both sets of shuttlers on equal terms.
The independent shuttlers have long craved for proper training facilities including the gymnasium, with some of them having to shuffle between training courts around Kuala Lumpur.
In fact, when the pros do join the centralised training camp at ABM for team events, the one thing they always highlight is its comprehensive facilities.
The national shuttlers, meanwhile, benefit from quality sparring partners.
Ng Tze Yong, who has now climbed into the top 40 rankings, would surely benefit from high intensity sparring with Lee Zii Jia.
The same could be said for Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik, who would get to train with Ong Yew Sin-Teo Ee Yi as both pairs look to solidify their top 10 status.
For Goh, it would also be a great chance to build on her successful return to the sport.
