Professional players who have virtually qualified for the Tokyo Olympics should approach the BA of Malaysia (BAM) if they want to start training at the Academy Badminton Malaysia (ABM) in Bukit Kiara.
According to BAM secretary-general Datuk Kenny Goh, the plan was always to have all Olympic-bound players, both national and independent, train under one roof ahead of the Tokyo Games in July.
The recent surge in Covid-19 cases in the country has thrown a spanner in the works for several professional players, who now have no place to train following the announcement of a third Movement Control Order (MCO) in the Klang Valley last week.
Initially, the plan was to have these players join the centralised training programme after the Singapore Open on June 1-6, the final Olympic qualifier.
But due to the current situation, players like Chan Peng Soon-Goh Liu Ying (mixed doubles) and Soniia Cheah (women's singles) may have to join earlier to stay sharp.
Under the current MCO, only outdoor and non-contact sports like jogging and cycling are allowed.
"These players are more than welcome to approach BAM coaching director Wong Choong Hann.
"It was always part of the plan to have them join us after the Singapore Open.
"I understand under the current situation things are a little tough, so speak to Choong Hann.
"However, they must also note and adhere to our strict standard operating procedures," said Kenny.
With the Malaysia Open now postponed due to the pandemic, it does not look promising for the other independent players to realise their Olympic dreams this year.
Peng Soon-Liu Ying and Soniia are the only ones expected to join national players Lee Zii Jia, Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik, Chow Mei Kuan-Lee Meng Yean for the Olympics.
Meanwhile, Kenny assured that preparations for the Spain Masters on May 18-23, the Slovenia Open (May 19-22) and the Austrian Open (May 27-30) are going smoothly with the players set to fly out of the country this week.