BAM smash back: We’ve always been merit-based

PETALING JAYA: The Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) have insisted that they have always practised meritocracy when selecting the best players for the country.

The BAM, in a statement yesterday, said: “BAM practise a transparent and merit-based selection system in our Talent Identification Development (TID) programmes which are held annually for the 12-year-old and 15-year-old age groups, with all the outstanding players shortlisted by the respective states attending.

“For the recently concluded Bukit Jalil Sports School (BJSS) 2020 intake, a total of 34 hopefuls aged 12 attended the TID as reported on our social media platforms.”

The BAM were responding to Malaysia Purple League chief executive officer Datuk Jack Koh’s claims that the national body have not been transparent in the selection process.

BAM also refuted allegations that they do not have a good working relationship with the Ministry of Education (MOE) and professional clubs which led to a lack of top quality players.

“We are working closely with the MOE with our students studying in the BJSS system with each pillar playing their own pivotal role; MOE providing education while BAM providing amenities crucial to their development as badminton players,” the statement added.

“Players from state BAs also formed part of the Badminton Talent Development Programme (BTDP), a fiveyear initiative to unearth talents from the ages of 9 to 11 by Perodua and MOE. “These players will go through the BAM TID process once they reach the age of 12.

“BAM have also engaged the expertise from Universiti Putra Malaysia Sports Science faculty to conduct all the 17 fitness test modules conducted during the TID.

“This shows that BAM do engage with various parties for the benefit of badminton development in the country.”