Heralding a new era
BAM welcome Wan Azizah as patron, Rexy on the list for director post
KUALA LUMPUR: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail is the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM)’s new patron. And Rexy Mainaky of Indonesia is one of the candidates shortlisted for the coaching director post.
These were announced at the BAM special council meeting at the Academy Badminton Malaysia (ABM) in Bukit Kiara yesterday.
Wan Azizah replaces Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor.
BAM president Datuk Seri Norza Zakaria welcomes Wan Azizah into the badminton family.
“We’re happy that Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah has accepted our invitation to be the BAM’s patron. The council have endorsed this appointment,” said Norza.
“We are confident that under her patronage, badminton will soar to greater heights especially as we look towards the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games.
“She used to play badminton and has followed closely the development of this sport in Malaysia. As the first female Deputy Prime Minister, she has proven that nothing is impossible and we know she will be a good role model to all in BAM,” said Norza, who also thanked the previous patron for her contributions.
Meanwhile, Norza said the BA of Malaysia would get in touch with Rexy to see whether he would be keen to take up the coaching director’s post.
“We’ve shortlisted a few names and are finalising the list and yes, Rexy is one of them. We have not approached him yet and we will do soon. This is an important role and we want to get the best candidate,” he said.
Rexy, who was with Malaysia for seven and a half years from 20052012 as the doubles chief coach, is currently the high-performance director of Thailand. His wife and children, however, are still in Kuala Lumpur.
Meanwhile, the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) secretary Datuk Ng Chin Chai said national No. 1 men’s singles shuttler Lee Chong Wei will complete another week of medical treatment in Taiwan before heading back home.
Chin Chai visited the 35-year-old Chong Wei in Taiwan recently and was happy with his good progress.
The two-time Olympic Games silver medallist has been undergoing treatment abroad for his respiratory related disorder since July.
“The Malaysian Open champion had to withdraw from the World Championships in Nanjing, China, in August and the Asian Games in Indonesia last month because of his illness.
“His treatment will be completed by next week. He should be back in Malaysia after two weeks. Then, he will rest for one month at home,” said Chin Chai after the special council meeting.
“The doctor will assess his condition again and if he gets the green light, he is expected to start his workout (in November).”