KUALA LUMPUR: With the wait for a badminton world title now over, it is only right for BAM to aim for the stars.
BAM president Tan Sri Norza Zakaria today announced the setting up of the national junior elite programme to fast-track players with talent at the Academy Badminton Malaysia (ABM) in Bukit Kiara.
For now, 14 young players aged 16-18 will come under the supervision of BAM development director Misbun Sidek.
These players, while remaining under the national junior programme, will be sent to senior-level tournaments.
"The focus is to fast track the development of these young players with potential into world-beaters.
"Although still at the junior level, we will send them to more senior-level tournaments," said Norza after the incentive presentation ceremony for men's doubles world champions Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik at the ABM.
Misbun echoed his president's sentiments.
"It is time for us to have a dedicated programme for these young potentials. Players like South Korea's An Se Young, Thailand's Kunlavut Vitidsarn and world No 1 Viktor Axelsen are shuttlers who came through a solid junior programme.
"This is what we intend to achieve. Take Justin Hoh, for example. He has not lost since winning the National Under-21 Championships. I want to maintain that at this week's Under-19 Malaysia Junior International Series in Putrajaya."
Meanwhile, Norza also announced that the Penang state government has agreed to allocate a piece of land for the national body to set up their first satellite academy outside Kuala Lumpur.
BAM secretary-general Datuk Kenny Goh and acting chief executive officer for the Petronas ABM, Dr Suresh Kumar, will oversee the project.
"We have done a site visit. The land is about 10 acres. We are still negotiating the terms and more details will be shared soon," Norza explained.
National Junior Elite Programme squad (Age in brackets) — Boys' singles: Justin Hoh (18), Eogene Ewe (17), Jan Jireh Lee (17), Faiq Haziq (16);
Doubles: Bryan Jeremy Goonting (17), Choi Jian Sheng (18), Aaron Tai (16), Kang Khai Xing (16);
Girls' singles: Ong Xin Yee (16), Carmen Ting (16), Siti Zulaikha Azmi (16), Ung Yi Xing (17).
Doubles: Vanee Gobi (17), Clarissa San (16).