BAM considers special incentive for Asian Games gold

 The last time Malaysia won a badminton title at the event was in Doha, Qatar, 20 years ago.

Men’s doubles pair Koo Kien Keat-Tan Boon Heong won Malaysia’s last gold medal in badminton at the Asian Games in Doha, Qatar, in 2006. (EPA Images pic)

KUALA LUMPUR:

The Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) is considering a special incentive for national players if they end Malaysia’s 20-year wait for an Asian Games badminton gold at the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Games from Sept 19 to Oct 4.

The last time Malaysia won a badminton gold at the games was in Doha, Qatar, in 2006 through men’s doubles pair Koo Kien Keat-Tan Boon Heong.

BAM president Tengku Zafrul Aziz acknowledged that two decades without an Asian Games badminton title was a long wait for Malaysian sports fans.

“Twenty years? That was the last time, 20 years ago. I didn’t realise it has been 20 years. That’s a long time,” he told reporters after chairing a BAM council meeting here today.

He said the proposal for a special incentive, which is in addition to the government’s national sports incentive scheme (Shakam), would be considered based on the association’s financial capacity and support from its sponsors.

“We will look at our financial capacity, but there has been no discussion yet. But I think it’s a good idea.

“We will also talk to BAM’s sponsors, as they usually provide incentives as well. There’s still time,” he said. - FMT