KUALA LUMPUR – Former Malaysian badminton player Datuk Jack Koh is laying the groundwork for a badminton development ecosystem tailored for young players, using a model similar to that practised at the Akademi Badminton Malaysia in Bukit Kiara.
The programme will be operated by the Petaling Badminton Club, seen as an effort to strengthen the role of clubs in producing quality players for the country.
Jack, who is also the promoter of the Nurturing Champions of Tomorrow (NCT) Junior Badminton Championships, explained that they are currently in talks with several sponsors to make this programme a success, with the pilot project set to include winners from this year’s NCT Championships.
This full-time programme is not just about elite training and international exposure but also about holistic athlete development, integrating education alongside sports training.
“Picture it like this, BAM is like the government hospital with a government set-up, whereas Petaling BC, in the future, will be like a private hospital with an independent set-up, which we need to build the entire ecosystem.
“BAM is the governing body of the sport, and they need to facilitate too many categories and programmes in order to excel. Our focus is on players who are under 16 years old, with a maximum age of 18.
“This programme, which we did a few years ago called the Malaysia Badminton Next Superstar, was sponsored by Seng Heng and Samsung. Eventually, Petaling BC players went for the trials and excelled, such as Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik, Man Wei Chong, Chen Tang Jie, and so forth.
“We have done well in the junior category, collaborated with BAM, and BAM has taken care of the podium part, so this is the transition,” said Jack during the Road to NCT Grand Prix Final media session in Kuala Lumpur today.
The initiative also includes recruiting experienced coaches like former Thomas Cup 1992 winner Kwan Yoke Meng, who previously coached BAM’s junior squad.
Meanwhile, the conclusion of the NCT Championships today saw four standout players selected to witness the Malaysian contingent’s participation in the Paris Olympic Games in July.
They are champions in their respective categories, including Muhammad Noor Hanafi (boys singles U13), Chong Wan Xin (girls singles U13), Lim Zhe Jie (boys singles U15), and Teoh Sue Mei (girls singles U15).
“I feel happy to be chosen to go to Paris. If possible, I want to watch the match involving China’s men’s singles player, Shi Yuqi,” said Noor Hanafi.
The NCT Junior Championships were held from January to May with five legs, consisting of Melaka, Pahang, Penang, Selangor, Sabah, and the grand final, which attracted over 5000 participants across Malaysia. – June 2, 2024