KUALA LUMPUR – Sports associations in the country need to reduce their reliance on government funding, but work on securing private sponsorships instead, said Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) president Tan Sri Norza Zakaria.
He said that as sports have become even more competitive nowadays, bigger investments are needed, such as salary, incentives, and sending players to tournaments.
Norza added that it would not be fair to rely heavily on the government as their funds could be channelled to help the people in need, including the B40 group.
“The days of over-reliance on government funding should stop. (Sports) associations need to have a sizable portion of funding come from corporate sponsors.
“Since Petronas came in, we got to be the world champion (by men’s doubles Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik) and won the French Open for the first time (by women’s doubles Pearly Tan-M Thinaah). We also upgraded the status of the Malaysia Open from Super 750 to Super 1000.
“We must remain competitive,” he said.
Norza was met at a press conference after BAM announced Affin Group as the official bank partner for two years.
Also present was Affin Group president and group chief executive officer Datuk Wan Razly Abdullah.
Norza said that Affin is setting an example for other corporate organisations through their support in developing sports in the country.
“We truly appreciate their commitment to come on board as our bank partner.
“The support from Affin will make it easier for us to send more players to more tournaments.
“This is the start of a relationship. Affin needs to understand our modus operandi, such as our plans for the junior development and the Olympic cycle.”
Speaking to the media, Wan Razly said they decided to be the official bank partner as they were convinced by BAM’s growth, vision, and long-term plan, and aimed to take the sport to a higher level.
“We want to help BAM turn from a giant into a titan in the badminton industry.
“In a way, Affin shares the same values and dreams. We would like to harness the maximum potential from this partnership.
“Our support is not just monetary, but also in terms of providing the best facilities and other forms of support. This is about building the Malaysian dream,” he added.
Wan Razly added that Affin will also become a joint title sponsor of the junior development programme, which will be known as the Affin 100 Plus Junior Elite Tour. – The Vibes, January 6, 2023
