KUALA LUMPUR – Akademi Badminton Malaysia (ABM) coaching director, Rexy Mainaky has issued a stern reminder to both players and coaching staff to refrain from indiscriminately revealing their strategies to the public as they gear up for the upcoming Paris Olympics, now just 70 days away.
Currently, ABM has scaled back their media interactions with players and coaches, shifting from twice a week sessions to just once a week.
This adjustment not only helps ease the players’ stress but also protects their carefully made game plans from being known by everyone, especially their opponents in the Olympics.
According to the roster recently released by the Badminton World Federation (BWF), Malaysia’s squad will comprise Lee Zii Jia (men’s singles), Goh Jin Wei (women’s singles), Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik (men’s doubles), Pearly Tan-M. Thinaah (women’s doubles), and Chen Tang Jie-Toh Ee Wei (mixed doubles).
“When we’re asked about our plans, we need to be cautious. We’re talking about the Olympics, and our opponents know what’s going on.
“Things are different now compared to 50 years ago. Nowadays, information spreads fast all over the world. We share our plans, and they’re out there in no time.
“Think about it, did China tell everyone what they’re doing for Chen Yu Fei? I’m not avoiding the question, but we need to be cautious.
“All this while, we’ve been too nice, even to our opponents. Sometimes, our players say too much in interviews. Even though we’ve studied our opponents with proper analysis, at the same time, we are also putting our decisions out there, and this makes us vulnerable,” said Rexy, who was met at ABM, Bukit Kiara today.
At the same time, Rexy also shared that ABM is planning to bring all eligible badminton players competing in the Olympics to attend a motivational camp in Kuching, Sarawak in June.
The camp will serve as a venue for them to alleviate all pressure as there will be no badminton-related activities.
“There, we will further enhance their focus, commitment, and what they desire for this Olympic Games.
“There will be no badminton activities there, and they will go there to rest, to relieve all stress after facing three consecutive tournaments (Thailand Open, Malaysia Masters, and Singapore Open), and all of this is part of the plan by psychologist, Frederick Tan,” he added. – May 15, 2024