KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysia’s unexpected group-stage exit from the Badminton Asia Mixed Team Championships (BAMTC) last week was undoubtedly a major disappointment.
While some argue it is unfair to criticise the back-up players too harshly, the poor results have sparked two pressing questions: Are players under the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) too complacent? Or are the high-profile coaches failing to raise standards?
Speaking to Scoop, BAM acting president Datuk V. Subramaniam voiced his disappointment and said he expects answers when he meets the national coaches this week.
“I know some of our back-up players performed well, but overall, the results were unacceptable,” Subramaniam said.
“If we were a country that struggled to produce top badminton talent, that would be one thing. But we are not.
“A good example is our former players who left BAM to turn independent. Why are they achieving results now when they are on their own?
“At BAM, players receive everything – facilities, salaries, support services, tournament expenses, allowances, equipment, and sponsorships – yet the results are poor. Are the players too complacent?
“We also have some of the best coaches, so are they not doing enough to raise standards? I expect answers when I meet them,” he added.
His concerns come in the wake of Malaysia fielding a squad missing several key players at the BAMTC in Qingdao, China.
Among them were 2024 Paris Olympics bronze medallist Lee Zii Jia, Ng Tze Yong, two-time Olympic bronze medallists and former world champions Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik, world No. 2 Goh Sze Fei and Nur Izzuddin Rumsani, top women’s doubles pair Pearly Tan and M. Thinaah, and mixed doubles duo Chen Tang Jie and Toh Ee Wei.
In their absence, Malaysia lost both Group B ties 3-2 to Hong Kong and Indonesia, failing to progress beyond the group stage.
This means Malaysia has failed to qualify on merit for the Sudirman Cup in April but will still compete in the world mixed team championship due to its high team ranking points.
Drawing comparisons with retired former world No. 1 Datuk Lee Chong Wei, Subramaniam questioned whether the current generation has the same hunger and commitment as the three-time Olympic silver medallist.
“Chong Wei was dedicated and serious. Even though he lived outside, he was always the first to arrive at the training centre.
“Today, I see players smiling and joking after losing. I don’t see the same fighting spirit, even in defeat.
“That’s why I’m starting to ask these questions,” he said.
With the regional BAMTC over, the world badminton calendar resumes next week with the European leg of the World Tour. First up is the Super 300 German Open, scheduled for February 25 to March 2. — February 17, 2025