Bam Ban On Zii Jia And Jin Wei No One Is A Winner

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Lee Zii Jia hitting a return against Thailand’s Kunlavut Vitidsarn during their men’s singles semi-final badminton match at the BWF World Tour Finals in Nusa Dua on the resort island of Bali on December 4, 2021. - AFP FILE PICLETTERS: Dark clouds now hang over the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM).
This follows its two-year bans on 2021 All-England champion, Lee Zii Jia, and former Junior and Malaysian Women's No. 1, Goh Jin Wei.
BAM's action is a blow to their playing careers. Both cannot participate in Badminton World Federation-sanctioned tournaments in that time.
The bans also scupper their dreams of winning medals in the Asian Games, Commonwealth Games and Sea Games.
BAM's reasoning is that it had provided both Zii Jia and Goh with world-class coaching and handsome perks all these years.
The association is desperate because it fears trophies and sponsorship will dwindle.
For a long time, BAM depended solely on Datuk Lee Chong Wei. With Zii Jia turning professional, it would take years to produce another world-class player.
But will the ban on Zii Jia solve its talent woes?
BAM must reflect on its leadership in grassroots talent management programmes. Is it employing outdated methods?
Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu wants the matter to be resolved amicably, but it's too late.
Can Malaysian badminton deliver a medal with no world-class player in sight? Perhaps, it is BAM that needs a revamp.
No one is a winner in this matter.
C. SATHASIVAM SITHERAVELLU
Seremban, Negri Sembilan
-NST

The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the MMKtT.

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