Hannah hopes Zafrul's expertise can help shuttlers stay in national set-up
PETALING JAYA: With the appointment of Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz as Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) president, the hope is that shuttlers will remain under the national set-up in the long run.
Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh said she hopes the experience and knowledge brought in by Zafrul as head of BAM would translate to players choosing to stay with the association, as he can strengthen it in terms of finances.
'With Tengku Zafrul in the association now, I'm sure he will be looking at keeping as many players as possible under the BAM roof,' she said when met at the National Sports Awards at the Dorsett Grand Subang yesterday.
With Zafrul's knowledge in the government and corporate sector, Hannah hopes Zafrul can help the association bring in more funds.
'Certain sports ecosystems need a lot of money, and that's not something everyone can do.
'Tengku Zafrul knows the government and corporate landscape, and I trust he can bring in good money. I'm sure all the states want that as well.
'I wish him all the best,' she said.
The issue of shuttlers opting to leave the national set-up in search of an independent route has been ongoing and in the spotlight again after the future of women's doubles pair Pearly Tan-M. Thinaah has been left hanging as they are said to be looking at turning professional.
Hannah said the duo should think carefully and not rush into making the wrong decision, adding that staying with BAM may be the safer option.
'I have not met Pearly and Thinaah but I think they need time to think about this properly.
'When you are on your own, sponsorships really depend on your rankings and the tournaments you win.
'There will be high and low seasons, and it's always safer to be with the association because they will always supply the resources.
'I hope they will not make the decision in a rush, and really take some time to think about it,' said Hannah.
At the same time, BAM secretary-general Datuk Kenny Goh said the contract negotiations are still ongoing with the world No. 4 pair.
'As our deputy president, Datuk V. Subramaniam has said, as soon as we have the time, we will discuss this matter with them,' said Kenny, who was also at the awards ceremony.
Kenny accepted Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik's National Sportsman award on their behalf as they are currently competing at the Thailand Open.
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