KUALA LUMPUR – The premature departure of top players from the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) does not only affect the development programmes set in place but sponsorship deals are also put in jeopardy.
The choice made by top players to leave behind associations that have nurtured them to embark on solo careers has not only dire implications on national sports associations, it also creates conflict between the respective associations, athletes and sponsors, according to Youth and Sports Deputy Minister Datuk Seri Ti Lian Ker, who said this today at the Dewan Rakyat.
According to a source within the badminton fraternity, the decision to venture out independently reduces the incentive for sponsors of national sports associations to shell out big money for absent players.
Big brands are more willing to sign off on large sponsorship deals with national associations as the prospect of players under their stable to garner accolades on a regular basis is far greater than that of a single athlete doing the same on his or her own merit.
“BAM has an agreement with sponsors based on their top players.
“If all top players leave BAM, sponsors will also pull out or potentially reduce the value of their sponsorship.
“This will inevitably affect the entire BAM development programme,” said the source.
Recently, top national shuttler Lee Zii Jia opted to leave the national association for a solo career, which culminated in the world number seven agreeing to a sponsorship deal with Taiwanese sports company Victor shortly after his two-year ban − imposed by the national body upon his resignation − was lifted following several weeks of controversy.
It was speculated that the multi-million-ringgit deal was the reason for the 23-year-old’s departure from BAM.
The source added that it is not unusual for sports professionals to seek independence from national associations.
However, their departure usually happens after they have had a chance to prove their worth in a government-aided programme that has significantly contributed to their long-term development.
“If top players have reached a certain age and have contributed sufficiently, they can leave and play independently.
“Which has happened in the past with players like Goh Liu Ying, Goh V. Shem and Tan Wee Kiong.
“There is no other entity in Malaysia that does development except for BAM.
“If BAM’s development programme is severely affected, then the entire ecosystem of badminton in the country could collapse,” the source added. – The Vibes, March 2, 2022
