No support for professionals unless...

FACILITIES provided by the BA of Malaysia (BAM) are reserved only for their shuttlers.

Professional players are not welcome unless they qualify for next year’s Tokyo Olympics.

Rio Olympic Games silver medallists Goh V Shem-Tan Wee Kiong and Chan Peng Soon-Goh Liu Ying hinted recently that they could use some assistance from the national body in terms of having a support team (physiotherapist and masseuse).

Both the men’s and mixed doubles pairs are currently training under former international Chew Choon Eng.

They have also secured respective sponsors for equipment and tournament expenses.

“I think it was very clear when they parted ways with us. We agreed on the terms that they would do things on their own as professionals.

“They have managed to find sponsors that even the national players don’t have.

“BAM will bring the Olympic qualifiers to train under one roof, so qualify first, then enjoy the benefit of having access to our facilities,” said BAM president Datuk Seri Norza Zakaria after chairing the national body’s council meeting yesterday.

While admitting that the national players’ performances were disappointing in the on-going Malaysia Open, Norza added that BAM will select the best squad for next month’s Sudirman Cup in Nanning, China.

“Our coaching & training committee will be meeting soon to finalise the team,” he said.

The tournament, scheduled on May 19-26, offers Olympic qualifying points.