THE good results at the Philippines Sea Games couldn’t have come at a better time for BAM who are rebuilding the national team.
Following the retirement of Lee Chong Wei and other senior national players who have left the national team to turn professional, the Sea Games became a stage for BAM’s next generation of players.
And they did not disappoint. BAM set a one gold target for the Sea Games but they won three gold instead through men’s singles Lee Zii Jia, women’s singles S. Kisona and men’s doubles Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik.
It’s Malaysia’s best achievement since 1975.
Now, BAM hope the young players that shone in Manila will build on their success and continue to progress up the ranks.
BAM president Datuk Seri Norza Zakaria said he believes the national body’s efforts in developing young talent is beginning to bear fruit.
“I am very proud of our squad here. All three gold were won by young players who represent our future.
“This is a good start for them and we are hoping they will continue to excel at the international level,” Norza said.
Norza singled out Kisona as the standout player for this edition of the games.
“Kisona was fielded as a replacement for Goh Jin Wei and when Soniia Cheah got injured in the opening round, all our hopes were on her (Kisona).
“She took up the responsibility well and we are very proud of her achievements here.”
Malaysia also won two silver through mixed doubles Goh Soon Huat-Shevon Lai and the men’s team.
Having to settle for bronze were men’s doubles Teo Ee Yi-Ong Yew Sin, women’s doubles Chow Mei Kuan-Lee Meng Yen and Vivian Hoo-Yap Cheng Wen, mixed doubles Tan Kian Meng-Lai Pei Jing and the women’s team.