KUALA LUMPUR — In high-performance sports, it is not unusual for top athletes to make demands. However, they must also be ready to meet expectations, particularly by achieving their key performance indicators (KPIs).
In October, Scoop reported that several national badminton stars had requested salaries of up to RM2 million annually.
While the exact figures were undisclosed, Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) acting president Datuk V. Subramaniam confirmed that salary increment requests had been made and were under review.
Reportedly, the review has since concluded, with BAM agreeing to meet some of the players’ demands.
However, the association has set clear expectations for the 2025 season: players and coaches must deliver stronger performances and secure more medals for Malaysia.
“Players need to pull up their socks, and coaches need to buck up too,” Subramaniam told Scoop.
“Everyone must set clear targets for the year ahead. They need to understand their responsibilities.
“Given the substantial investments we’ve made, we expect a return on investment (ROI). Players must perform and win medals for the country.”
BAM recently extended its sponsorship deals with Affin Bank (three years), Yonex (two years), and 100PLUS (four years). The association is also expected to renew its partnership with Petronas soon.
Subramaniam also highlighted the importance of maintaining integrity, referencing the recent betting scandal involving former World Championships bronze medallist Liew Daren and National Sports Institute (NSI) performance analyst Jerry Gan.
Daren, who retired from international badminton last year, was found guilty of violating the Badminton World Federation’s (BWF) Code on the Prevention of the Manipulation of Competitions.
The BWF Independent Hearing Panel handed him a 12-month ban from all badminton-related activities. Jerry received a three-month suspension.
“I want to stress that players need to be disciplined, work hard, and work smart. They must also be visionaries.
“Do not engage in negative practices or be influenced by distractions. Instead, focus on performance and career growth.
“The management will continue to provide the necessary support. However, we will conduct periodic reviews to ensure accountability and progress,” said Subramaniam.
Badminton delivered two bronze medals for Malaysia at the 2024 Paris Olympics—one from former men’s doubles world champions Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik and the other from independent men’s singles player Lee Zii Jia.
The 2025 badminton season kicks off with the Super 1000 Malaysia Open, set to take place from January 7 to 12 at the Axiata Arena in Bukit Jalil. — December 31, 2024