BAM looking to send players to China’s Li Yongbo Badminton School

KUALA LUMPUR – The Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) inked a RM2 million sponsorship deal with electronics consumer brand, FreeYond at the Axiata Arena today.

“In terms of value, the partnership will be around RM2 million a year through a one-year contract with the possibility of extension. Two-thirds of this sponsorship is cash. 

“There are a few parts to this sponsorship, but the most important aspect is that we are in talks to send some of our players to the academy in China. 

“This was one of the game changers when FreeYond came to see us. We are now in the midst of identifying which players to send to China,” said BAM president Tan Sri Mohamad Norza Zakaria. 

Norza said one of the main driving forces behind the partnership with the Shenzhen-based electronic brand is due to FreeYond director Datuk Eddie Chai’s close relationship with the Li Yongbo Badminton School, which BAM is in talks to send its players. 

He added that the partnership with the academy in China will be carried out in phases, with BAM looking to send the men’s and women’s singles shuttlers first. 

“The whole thing will be done in phases because we have the Olympic qualifications to focus on, so we are engaging with our players on that. 

“We also need to look at our backup players, especially in the singles department. I have mentioned before that I am concerned with our singles players,” he added. 

Li Yongbo previously held the role of head coach for the Chinese national team. He was relieved of his duties in 2017 after 24 years at the helm. 

Norza, who is also Badminton Asia honorary president, said it is now up to the players to reciprocate the efforts done by BAM to provide them with the best support possible. 

“As an administrator, you try your best to provide a good environment for athletes to train in while providing them with sufficient financial assistance for them to enter tournaments. 

“With all this money coming in, I do hope the players will be able to reciprocate BAM’s efforts because they are in a position to not just deliver for BAM but also the rakyat,” he said. 

Meanwhile, FreeYond’s exclusive distributor Fast Energy Holdings Bhd executive director Tan Wye Chuan said their brand’s spirit embodies the pursuit of excellence, teamwork, and innovation, which aligns with BAM’s values. 

“Malaysia is a powerhouse in the world of badminton, with the players under BAM’s umbrella having achieved many victories and gaining fame and glory for the country. 

“FreeYond wants to play its part in supporting BAM and its players as they strive for more podium victories and inspire the country’s youth,” he said. – The Vibes, May 24, 2023