KUALA LUMPUR: Former BAM technical director, Morten Frost takes a positive view of the recent exodus of top shuttlers from the national body.
In fact, the 61-year-old Danish legend believes it is a global trend that could increase the commercial value of the sport.
Last month, top men's doubles Goh V Shem-Tan Wee Kiong and mixed doubles Chan Peng Soon-Goh Liu Ying, parted ways with BAM to turn professional.
“Personally, I believe this could be a blessing in disguise. If you look at other countries like Denmark, Indonesia a few years back and Japan, then you would know that this has been happening for some time.
“I was thinking this is something that would happen in the next 10-15 years but it is happening now. The good thing, however, is badminton still has huge support in Malaysia and people will come forward to support these players.
“Will BAM lose out? Probably not, because they can start focusing on development.
“Maybe what the association can do is to try and strike a deal with these independent players, like a win-win situation. These players could probably train at the association twice a week as sparring partners and for the rest of the week be on their own.
“At the end of the day, it must benefit the country,” said Frost, who is now an ambassador for Pocket Spine Doc, a mobile health application with built-in artificial intelligence.
Frost pointed out that the Badminton World Federation F) are taking steps to increase the commercial value of the game and it is only natural for top players to go pro, as there is more money outside.
Frost, who is in Kuala Lumpur for the Malaysia Masters next week, took the opportunity to wish former World No 1, Lee Chong Wei all the best, after the 37-year-old made a comeback following a battle with nose cancer.
“Generally, everyone would think that it is going to be an uphill task for him to get back on top and that is only natural, given his age and we still don't know how he is reacting to training.
“Having said that, not many could make a comeback like this and I wish Chong Wei all the best,” said Frost.