20 Team Singapore athletes to compete in nine sports at Asian Para Games in Japan

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's Badminton Association (BAM) is contemplating offering a lucrative bonus to athletes to finally secure an Asian Games gold medal after a 20-year drought. BAM President Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz revealed that the association would consider rewarding gold medallists at the upcoming Games, scheduled from September 19 to October 4, as an additional incentive.

Currently, the National Sports Council (NSC) provides RM80,000 for a gold medal, and BAM aims to introduce its own incentive to boost the nation's prospects in the upcoming competition. The last time Malaysia won an Asian Games gold in badminton was during the 2006 Games in Doha, when Koo Kien Keat-Tan Boon Heong claimed victory.

Tengku Zafrul acknowledged the lengthy wait, stating that BAM will discuss the matter with sponsors, as they typically offer incentives as well. The association has set internal targets for the Asian Games squad, with an unofficial goal of one silver and one bronze medal. However, BAM refrained from disclosing these targets to avoid pressuring the athletes.

The organization's top contenders for a gold medal are world No. 6 Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani and scratch pair Aaron Chia-Tee Kai Wun. BAM also announced significant changes, including a 100% increase in total prize money for local tournaments, raising it from RM200,000 to RM400,000. Additionally, the association will appoint a director of sports science and medicine to enhance its high-performance structure, integrate sports science and medical support, and modify talent identification and selection rules.

These strategic moves aim to strengthen Malaysia's badminton program and potentially help the nation clinch overall victory at the 2027 SEA Games.