BAM Ready to Drop Problematic Players

The Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) is prepared to dismiss any player, whether senior or junior, who continues to face disciplinary problems. BAM President Tengku Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz issued a final warning to players involved in misconduct. He noted that no new disciplinary incidents have been reported since discussions with coaches and the Performance Committee Chairman, Datuk Seri Lee Chong Wei.

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However, if it happens again, we may have to drop the player from the association.

"However, if it happens again, we may have to drop the player from the association," Zafrul said after chairing the BAM Council Meeting at the Malaysian Badminton Academy (ABM) yesterday. Zafrul declined to name the players facing disciplinary issues but indicated their absence from tournaments would be a clear sign.

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We want to set an example, not just impose punishment, for other players. This applies to both junior and senior levels.

The actions taken are based on recommendations from the Performance Committee, including barring players from international competitions. "We want to set an example, not just impose punishment, for other players. This applies to both junior and senior levels," he stated. Among the strict regulations enforced is the requirement for unmarried players to reside in the BAM Academy dormitories, unless there are compelling reasons such as health issues or family responsibilities.

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If a player refuses to stay in the dormitory without a very strong reason (like medical problems or needing to care for sick parents), they will not be allowed to represent BAM.

"If a player refuses to stay in the dormitory without a very strong reason (like medical problems or needing to care for sick parents), they will not be allowed to represent BAM. We must remember that players like Chong Wei himself lived in the dormitory until he retired. This is about discipline and focus," Zafrul added. Lee Chong Wei welcomed BAM's firm stance, emphasizing that discipline is paramount for athletes. "For me, it's always... the committee and I have always said, discipline is number one. It is very important for our athletes. During the Malaysia Open, I made a statement," he said. Chong Wei also stressed that senior players must serve as role models for the younger generation in Malaysian badminton.

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For me, it's always... the committee and I have always said, discipline is number one. It is very important for our athletes.