BAM, Misbun part ways, again

KUALA LUMPUR: Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) and Academy Badminton Malaysia Youth Singles Coaching Director Datuk Misbun Sidek have mutually agreed to part ways effective today.

BAM deputy president Datuk V. Subramaniam said the decision was made by the special task force led by him following the youth squad's dismal performance at the Asian Junior Badminton Championships in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, recently.

"We (special task force) had a lengthy discussion with our stakeholders and decided that things have to change for the better.

"So, Datuk Misbun understands that...it is only fair that we look into a new path," Subramaniam told a press conference here today.

Misbun, who rejoined BAM for a second stint in 2017, was supposed to have a contract with the national badminton governing body until the end of this year.

Despite feeling sad over the results in Yogyakarta, Subramaniam also gave credit to Misbun for his efforts all these years including providing his players the best way to move forward.

"Misbun has been exemplary in his role as the development director. From the day he was appointed, he served with passion and was committed to the development of our young players. We are grateful for his contribution and thank him for his services," he said.

At the 2023 Asian Junior Championships (AJC) in Yogyakarta recently, the national junior squad displayed a lacklustre performance when they lost to the defending champions, Thailand, 0-3, in the quarter-finals of the mixed team event and none of the players qualified for the semi-finals of the singles competition.

The last time Malaysia won a medal in the tournament was in 2018 through the then junior women's doubles pair of Pearly Tan-Toh Ee Wei who took silver, in addition to helping the then national squad win bronze in the mixed team event.

While BAM currently working on finding Misbun's replacement, Subramaniam said Mohd Hazwan Jamaluddin will coach the under-18 singles squad while Ameer Zainuddin will train the under-15 singles squad.

Subramaniam said the task force also recommended that the national juniors preparing for the World Junior Championships 2023 in Spokane, Washington from Sept 25 until Oct 8 should train with the national senior team.

As such, he believed that the juniors will benefit immensely by training and sparring with the seniors as the world juniors meet is a highly challenging competition.

Meanwhile, Misbun in a statement expressed his gratitude to BAM for the opportunity to work with the rising stars of the game.

"It has been an excellent six years and I have enjoyed every moment of my time at the academy and working with the players.

"I thank BAM and its president Tan Sri Mohamad Norza Zakaria for appointing me. It has been challenging but fulfilling. We have talented players and I wish them all the best." he said.

Previously, the former national shuttler helmed the national men's singles head coach before he was demoted to national junior development director in 2020 followed by being the ABM Youth Singles Coaching Director last year.

-- BERNAMA