KUALA LUMPUR – Badminton World Federation (BWF) president Poul-Erik Høyer Larsen does not want to cut down on tournaments but instead wants to organise more so a ladder system can be established.
His comments come after BWF Hall of Famer Datuk Lee Chong Wei had called for the governing body to cut down on the number of tournaments because players are getting injured more often now.
“We are listening to input from experienced players.
“I believe we don’t necessarily need to cut down on tournaments but prioritise very carefully which tournaments we are sending the best players to.
“We are so strong now we can start discussing which tournament we can do for the very best and the second-tier players,” he said at a press conference after an MoU signing between Badminton Asia and the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM).
The Dane added that this will create a ladder system of tournaments for players of different levels.
“I think we can discuss now how we can make a ladder system.
“This system will also provide the possibility for the younger generation to start earning money earlier in their career.
“I don’t want to decrease the number of tournaments, I want to make more so we can focus on making that ladder system,” he said.
BAM president Tan Sri Mohamad Norza Zakaria said the concerns brought up by Chong Wei is relevant especially now that players are chasing Olympic qualification points for Paris 2024.
“Tournaments have different tiers or statuses, there are a lot of tournaments that are more suitable for those at a higher level.
“What Chong Wei said is relevant, the Olympic qualification period can be taxing for players.
“But what is more important is we need to increase tournaments for tier two and three, this is something that we have discussed at Badminton Asia,” said Norza, who is also Olympic Council of Malaysia president and Badminton Asia honorary president.
Norza said organising more tier two and three tournaments can help close the gap between powerhouse and developing badminton nations.
“Countries in the Middle East and Central Asia need tournaments where the big guns don’t show up.
“They need this because they lack sponsors to organise tournaments,” he said.
Meanwhile, Norza advised coaches and players to choose tournaments to contest more carefully to avoid injury.
“We must choose tournaments that are suitable for our players.
“No point we go to back-to-back tournaments, but our players end up getting injured and are out for a long time,” he added. – The Vibes, 27 May 2023
