03-06-2025
Pearly-Thinaah better off with BAM, says Yeoh, Chong Ming
KUALA LUMPUR: Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh and former world No. 1 doubles player Chan Chong Ming both believe women's doubles pair Pearly Tan-M. Thinaah should remain with the BA of Malaysia (BAM).
Pearly-Thinaah have yet to sign a new contract with the national body and are believed to be contemplating turning professional.
Yeoh said remaining with BAM will ensure that Pearly-Thinaah continue to receive the support they need to excel at the highest level.
"I hope Pearly-Thinaah will remain with BAM so they have support from the government, including from the Road to Gold (RTG) programme, so they don't have to worry about anything," said Yeoh today.
"This includes coaches as well as services from the National Sports Institute.
"If they leave BAM, they have to worry about where they want to find the funds to do their preparations.
"They also have to find training facilities to use and also look for sparring partners, all these are currently provided."
Chong Ming, who is the former women's national doubles coach, echoed Yeoh's sentiments.
"I agree, if you stay with the association there are a lot of benefits. There is nothing to worry about because you have a complete support team with you," said Chong Ming.
"Personally, I think Pearly and Thinaah should stay (with BAM).
"Support services are very important for players today. You need to get adequate recovery and gym work (to continue performing well).
"As a coach myself, we (coaches) have experience in terms of the technical and tactical aspects of badminton, because we have experienced it ourselves as players.
"But we do not have the same level of expertise when it comes to strength and conditioning, psychology and so on.
"When it comes to things like this, it is best to leave it to the experts. This is where the Youth and Sports Ministry can give their support."
Yeoh was speaking after officiating the prize giving ceremony for the Daikin International Badminton Championships in Petaling Jaya today. Chong Ming served as the tournament director for the competition.
Young players from 10 countries played in over 1,400 matches throughout the tournament, which is now in its seventh edition.
