Latest news with #RoadtoThomasCup
The Star
19 hours ago
- Sport
- The Star
Chong Wei bowled over by Tengku Zafrul's detailed five-year badminton development plan
Convinced: Datuk Seri Lee Chong Wei finally agreed to return to BAM as an independent council member after seeing the comprehensive five-year plan called 'Tangkis 2030'. PETALING JAYA: It was never easy trying to lure Datuk Seri Lee Chong Wei back into the fold of the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM). For years since his 2019 retirement, the nation's greatest shuttler kept a respectful distance, politely turning down repeated offers to rejoin the body, preferring instead to contribute on his own terms. But on Saturday, BAM president Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz finally achieved what no one else could. So what made him have a change of heart? It was the detailed blueprint called 'Tangkis 2030' that was unveiled by Tengku Zafrul during the council meeting on Saturday. The five-year-plan details BAM's ambitions, covering not just the elite squad but the entire badminton ecosystem. And it convinced him to return as an independent council member. 'To be honest, I was surprised at how detailed his long-term plan is,' said Chong Wei when contacted. 'This is the first time I've seen a BAM president with such a roadmap. In less than 100 days, he's presented a clear vision, and I can see he is sincere about lifting Malaysian badminton. 'Even while still serving as MITI (Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry) Minister until the end of the year, he has worked hard to put this plan together and engaged with all stakeholders to ensure his vision can be carried out 'That is why I've agreed to use my knowledge and experience to help him and Malaysian badminton,' said the 41-year-old legend. 'In the past, many people had asked me to come back to BAM, but I feel that the plan drawn up by Tengku Zafrul is one that covers many aspects,' said Chong Wei. 'Tangkis 2030' is built around five key missions: reclaiming the Thomas Cup by 2026, winning Olympic gold at Los Angeles 2028, producing world No. 1s in at least three events, ensuring a sustainable pipeline of champions, and driving badminton as a pillar of a healthier Malaysia. A flagship programme, 'Road to Thomas Cup', targets ending Malaysia's 34-year drought in Horsens, Denmark, next year. To strengthen BAM's foundations, Tengku Zafrul has also roped in three other heavyweights: former NTV7 and Celcom CEO Datuk Seri Shazalli Ramly (branding and marketing), Tan Sri Gooi Hoe Soon (finance), and Datuk Sunil Abraham (legal).
The Star
a day ago
- Business
- The Star
Chong Wei bowled over by detailed five-year BAM development plan
PETALING JAYA: It was never easy trying to lure Datuk Lee Chong Wei back into the fold of the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM). For years since his 2019 retirement, the nation's greatest shuttler kept a respectful distance, politely turning down repeated offers to rejoin the body, preferring instead to contribute on his own terms. But on Saturday, BAM president Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz finally achieved what no one else could. So what made him have a change of heart? It was the detailed blueprint called 'Tangkis 2030' that was unveiled by Tengku Zafrul during the council meeting on Saturday. The five-year plan covers BAM's ambitions, covering not just the elite squad but the entire badminton ecosystem. And it convinced him to return as an independent council member. 'To be honest, I was surprised at how detailed and long-term his plan is,' said Chong Wei when contacted. 'This is the first time I've seen a BAM president with such a roadmap. In less than 100 days, he's presented a clear vision, and I can see he is sincere about lifting Malaysian badminton. ALSO READ: Boon Heong: BAM must give Chong Wei more power "Even while still serving as Miti (Investment, Trade and Industry Ministry) Minister until the end of the year, he has worked hard to put this plan together and engaged with all stakeholders to ensure his vision can be carried out 'That is why I've agreed to use my knowledge and experience to help him and Malaysian badminton,' said the 41-year-old legend. 'In the past, many people had asked me to come back to BAM, but I feel that the plan drawn up by Tengku Zafrul is one that covers many aspects," said Chong Wei. 'Tangkis 2030' is built around five key missions: reclaiming the Thomas Cup by 2026, winning Olympic gold at Los Angeles 2028, producing world No. 1s in at least three events, ensuring a sustainable pipeline of champions, and driving badminton as a pillar of a healthier Malaysia. A flagship programme, 'Road to Thomas Cup', targets ending Malaysia's 34-year drought in Horsens, Denmark, next year. To strengthen BAM's foundations, Zafrul has also roped in three other heavyweights: former NTV7 and Celcom CEO Datuk Seri Shazalli Ramly (branding and marketing), Tan Sri Gooi Hoe Soon (finance), and Datuk Sunil Abraham (legal).
The Star
2 days ago
- Sport
- The Star
Tangkis 2030 targets Thomas Cup and Olympic gold
Timely assistance: Perodua chief operating officer Datuk JH Rozman Jaafar (third from right) handing over a Perodua Aruz to BAM president Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz before the council meeting. — CHAN TAK KONG/The Star PETALING JAYA: Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) president Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz has kept to his word by unveiling his vision and mission ahead of his 100-day mark with the launch of a five-year plan, 'Tangkis 2030'. The plan, presented during BAM's council meeting at the Academy Badminton Malaysia (ABM) in Bukit Kiara yesterday, outlines five major targets including winning the Thomas Cup in 2026, securing a gold medal at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, producing world No. 1 players in three out of five categories, and two long-term goals – developing a sustainable pipeline of champions and building a healthier Malaysia. To achieve the Thomas Cup target in Horsens, Denmark, next year, Tengku Zafrul has proposed a 'Road to Thomas Cup' project to end the nation's 34-year title drought. Malaysia last lifted the prestigious trophy in 1992. 'I want to be clear that the plan will first be shared with all the state councils to get their input and views. We will then finalise it into a full-fledged plan to be officially adopted by the BAM council. Our aspiration is to produce champions on the global stage, build a steady pipeline of world-class athletes and reinvigorate badminton as a sport. 'We want to rally not just the athletes but also the sponsors and the badminton community behind this programme. It has been done before. In fact, when I was reading up on the 1982 Thomas Cup campaign, there was also a 'Road to Thomas Cup' project, and we won it that year,' said Tengku Zafrul. He also proposed bringing in four external experts to strengthen BAM as a whole. They include world badminton legend Datuk Seri Lee Chong Wei to focus on athletes and performance, former NTV7 and Celcom CEO Datuk Seri Shazally Ramly to drive BAM's branding and marketing, Tan Sri Gooi Hoe Soon with his vast experience in accounting and corporate finance to manage financial matters, and Datuk Sunil Abraham to provide legal expertise. Development remains a key priority. Tengku Zafrul said he will engage stakeholders – state associations, clubs, and schools – to ensure a continuous talent pool. For junior players currently training at ABM, improvements in nutrition and allowances are on the way. 'We also want to improve the nutrition of our athletes and coaches. I shared with them that starting from Sept 1, we will upgrade the quality of food at the academy. 'Currently, the government allocation is about RM35 per person per day for food. From Sept 1, we will double the budget to about RM70 to RM75 so that the athletes and coaches can enjoy better nutrition. We're also reviewing monthly allowances,' added Tengku Zafrul.
The Star
2 days ago
- Business
- The Star
Tangkis 2030 targets Thomas Cup, Olympic gold, says Tengku Zafrul
PETALING JAYA: Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) president Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz has kept to his word by unveiling his vision and mission ahead of marking his first 100 days with the launch of the Tangkis 2030 five-year plan. The plan, presented during BAM's council meeting at the Academy Badminton Malaysia (ABM) in Bukit Kiara on Saturday (Aug 16), outlines five major targets including winning the Thomas Cup in 2026, securing a gold medal at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, producing world No. 1 players in three out of five categories, and two long-term goals — developing a sustainable pipeline of champions and building a healthier Malaysia. To achieve the Thomas Cup target in Horsens, Denmark next year, Tengku Zafrul has proposed a 'Road to Thomas Cup' project to end the nation's 34-year title drought. Malaysia last lifted the prestigious trophy in 1992. 'I want to be clear that the plan will first be shared with all the state councils to get their input and views. We will then finalise it into a full-fledged plan to be officially adopted by the BAM council. Our aspiration is to produce champions on the global stage, build a steady pipeline of world-class athletes and reinvigorate badminton as a sport. "We want to rally not just the athletes but also the sponsors and the badminton community behind this programme. It has been done before. In fact, when I was reading up on the previous Thomas Cup campaign, there was also a 'Road to Thomas Cup' project, and we won it that year," said Tengku Zafrul. He also proposed bringing in four external experts to strengthen BAM as a whole. They include world badminton legend Datuk Seri Lee Chong Wei to focus on athletes and performance, former NTV7 and Celcom CEO Datuk Seri Shazaily Ramly to drive BAM's branding and marketing, Tan Sri Gooi Hoe Soon with his vast experience in accounting and corporate finance to manage financial matters, and Datuk Suni Abraham to provide legal expertise. Development remains a key priority. Tengku Zafrul said he will engage stakeholders — state associations, clubs, and schools — to ensure a continuous talent pool. For junior players currently training at ABM, improvements in nutrition and allowances are on the way. 'We also want to improve the nutrition of our athletes and coaches. I shared with them that starting from Sept 1, we will upgrade the quality of food at the academy. "Currently, the government allocation is about RM35 per person per day for food. From Sept 1, we will double the budget to about RM70 to RM75 so that the athletes and coaches can enjoy better nutrition. We're also reviewing monthly allowances,' added Tengku Zafrul.
New Straits Times
2 days ago
- Sport
- New Straits Times
BAM ropes in Chong Wei to power 'Tangkis 2030' roadmap
KUALA LUMPUR: Badminton legend Datuk Seri Lee Chong Wei has officially returned to the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) — not as a player or coach, but as an independent council member tasked with helping the body realise its new "Tangkis 2030" vision. Unveiled on Saturday, the roadmap aims to transform Malaysia into a global badminton powerhouse within five years. Its immediate goals are to win the 2026 Thomas Cup, secure Olympic gold at Los Angeles 2028, and produce world No 1s in at least three of the five events. Chong Wei's role will focus on overseeing athlete performance and welfare, with BAM president Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz describing his input as "crucial" to the project. Tengku Zafrul confirmed Chong Wei's appointment, along with three corporate figures — Tan Sri Gooi Hoe Soon (financial matters), Datuk Sunil Abraham (legal) and Datuk Seri Shazalli Ramly (branding and media strategies) — during a council meeting at the Academy Badminton Malaysia (ABM). "I shared my vision to make Malaysia a global badminton powerhouse and I thank the council members for their support," said Tengku Zafrul. "We will soon finalise a full plan, officially adopted by the council, to build a steady pipeline of world-class shuttlers. With so many revamps ahead, we needed additional expertise, and Chong Wei, of course, needs no introduction. "He is already part of the council and will be placed in the most relevant committee once the new structure is confirmed, most likely performance. We aim to conclude the changes by October, or sooner if possible." Malaysia last won the Thomas Cup in 1992, and while the men's singles department is currently weakened by injuries to Lee Zii Jia and Ng Tze Yong, Tengku Zafrul insists the target remains achievable. "We want to rally shuttlers, sponsors and the badminton community behind a "Road to Thomas Cup" programme. We last won it over 30 years ago and must be ambitious enough to target it again," he said. "We have strength in doubles and should leverage on that. The coaches are optimistic — with the right tactics, even if we lose the first singles, we can still be competitive with our second singles and strong doubles pairings. "Our short-term goals include the Thomas Cup, Olympic gold in 2028 and producing three world No 1s."
