Misbun Sidek and BAM go separate ways

Misbun Sidek's stint as national junior development director with the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) ended after it was announced both parties decided to mutually part ways.

Misbun had returned to the national association for a second time in 2017 and he first served as the national singles chief honcho before the redesignation to serve in the junior set-up.

During his tenure with the senior team, Misbun played a significant part in moulding the early career of Lee Zii Jia from 2017 to 2020, where the shuttler clinched his maiden World Tour title in Chinese Taipei and followed it up with the 2019 SEA Games gold.

But it was the 63-year-old's contribution with the junior team that was rather underwhelming, compounded at the recent Asian Junior Championships where the contingent only made it as far as the quarter-finals.

It followed the dismal campaign at last year's World Junior Championships that saw Malaysia return home empty handed.

Misbun, a decorated shuttler during his heyday including a World Championships medal and an occupant of second on the world rankings, said badminton will continue to be in his life.

"Badminton runs in my veins and I will continue my involvement and contribute to raising the standard of badminton in our country for as many years as I can," he said.

Meanwhile, the national junior squad will prepare for the World Junior Championships in the United States in September.

To help them prepare for the world meet, they are set to train and spar with the senior team to get a competitive feel.

Datuk Misbun Sidek sah berpisah dengan BAM atas persetujuan bersama Saksikan Nadi Arena setiap isnin hingga jumaat hanya di saluran 801HD!#NadiArena #AstroArena pic.twitter.com/Y14vb6j1BM

— ASTRO ARENA (@ASTROARENA) July 28, 2023