EHIME TRAINING CAMP IN THE BALANCE
BAM may forgo Japan stint due to Covid-19
THE BA of Malaysia (BAM) may have to scrap their plans of having a training camp in Japan ahead of the Tokyo Olympics. BAM have always held a training camp in Ehime Prefecture before every major tournament since signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Nippon Badminton Association (NBA) in 2018.
But the uncertainty of the Covid-19 situation means that BAM may have to alter their plans for the Tokyo Olympics on July 23-Aug 8.
“For this Olympics, we may have to see what are the standard operating procedures before deciding on whether a training camp is viable,” said BAM president Tan Sri Norza Zakaria.
“We may have to go straight to Tokyo instead of having a training camp in Ehime like we always did as the situation may not allow it.
“But we have a long-term understanding with Ehime, and maybe we’ll be able to resume this partnership for the 2024 Paris Olympics.”
There was still some positivity for the BAM as they were presented with the Japanese Foreign Minister’s Commendation Award yesterday.
The award was presented in recognition of BAM’s contribution towards promoting mutual understanding between the two nations through badminton.
“We are honoured to be recognised with this commendation, and it is a culmination of the hard work put in by everyone at the BAM,” said Norza after receiving the award from Japan’s ambassador to Malaysia, Hiroshi Oka.
“It is a huge acknowledgement for us ever since we signed the MOU as we’ve had exchange programmes for players and coaches.
“Our senior and junior players have been to Ehime for training camps at least three times, and many Malaysian coaches have also been involved with coaching in Japan, whether it is national or prefecture-level.
“We look forward to playing a more pivotal role in strengthening the relationship with Japan and Ehime through badminton.”