The national contingent competing at the upcoming Thomas & Uber Cup this week are almost done with a 10-day centralized training camp in Herning, Denmark that cost Rm1.3 million.

The Badminton Association of Malaysia performance committee chairman Lee Chong Wei admitted that sum is huge, but worth it.

“The cost is about RM1.3 million, it’s a lot, but it’s well spent. This is one of the best preparations for a world team event,” Lee told The Star.

“The reports I received are positive. The players have a good environment and platform to bond. This is key for a team event,” added the former world number one, who also said some players who serve as sparring partners will return home before the Finals to reduce the cost.

In total, there are 53-member team in Herning including players, coaches and support staff.

But Lee himself has opted to stay home in Malaysia.

“I will only go if the need arises, we can save some money. Not all players like having officials around. It’s best to keep the numbers to a minimum, too many can be a distraction.”

The shuttlers were seen in good spirits throughout the training camp, where they bonded through team building events.

The Thomas Cup team will open their campaign against England on Saturday, while the Uber Cup team face Turkiye the same day.