KUALA LUMPUR: In an effort to encourage state associations to churn out more future stars, the BA of Malaysia (BAM) on Saturday announced a new performance-based bonus scheme.
This bonus will be a top-up to the existing yearly grant given out by BAM to all 15 state associations.
BAM president, Tan Sri Norza Zakaria, after chairing the national body's first council meeting of the year and AGM, said the performance-based grant was to provide rewards to associations that go the extra mile to produce more young talents.
"We understand that some states are putting more money and effort into developing young players compared to other states.
"The State Development Committee and secretary general (Datuk Kenny Goh) will review this activity-based grant.
"For example, if a state association previously received RM300,000 a year, that amount will not be touched, but there will be an increase in performance and activity-based criteria.
"Say we organise the National Junior Circuit, and players from a particular state win more medals, then we will reward that state accordingly," said Norza.
Currently, state associations receive between RM300,000-RM450,000 in year grants from BAM.
Meanwhile, BAM also announced that tickets for the Super 500 Malaysia Masters on May 21-26 will go on sale on Monday.
BAM said fans will be able to enjoy early bird ticket prices from April 8-22.
The association will also introduce a platinum category for both daily and season tickets, replacing the previous superfan category.
This change aims to enhance accessibility for fans, with the platinum category now available with the early bird offer.