KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian badminton should welcome changes and not expect whatever structure in place to remain successful forever.
Citing World No 7 Lee Zii Jia's move to professionalism, ex-international Jeremy Valberg said the time has come for the sport in Malaysia to explore different means to achieve success.
With more countries playing badminton, the time has come for a revamp in thinking and application to ensure that Malaysia remains at the forefront of the sport.
Valberg is supportive of new ways and strategies to uplift the sport in Malaysia.
"We shouldn't be stuck in the thinking that only via the academy and sports schools that new players can be produced, but clubs also can play a role.
"On top of clubs, players are moving in the same direction as tennis where you have your team; you plan everything and not dependent on the national body which can focus on young players."
Valberg, who runs the Valberg Academy or VA, was speaking after organising the inaugural Victor Arena Friendly Badminton Game, at which former World No 1 Roslin Hashim made a guest appearance.
Results
(All Finals)
Men's Doubles
Open: Ong Jin Long-Ter Chun Wei bt Abdul Hafiz Mohd Jaapar-Cheong Cheng Foong 14-21, 21-19, 22-20.
Veterans: Sayed Munzir Sayed Yusof-Sim Han Siang bt Armynul Sabri-Hasrul Kasim 21-16, 21-11.