James urges BAM review after Asian Games flop

Datuk James Selvaraj has called for a thorough examination of both players and coaches within Malaysia's Badminton Association (BAM) following the Asian Games' disappointing performance by the national shuttlers. The Malaysian team returned home with only a women's doubles bronze medal, falling short of the target of one silver and one bronze. James emphasized the need for coaches to be held accountable alongside the players, as the BAM must identify why the support provided failed to yield the desired outcomes.

The setbacks encompassed exits from the second round for both men's and women's doubles pairs, as well as men's singles players failing to progress beyond the 16th round. Mixed doubles pairs also exited in the second round. James stated that the review must scrutinize coaching methods and whether the players fulfilled their responsibilities after receiving the support they sought. He stressed that public funds were involved, and the players must be ready to rectify their mistakes.

The poor performance of the men's doubles sector has led fans to demand the resignation of doubles coaching director Rexy Mainaky. However, James refrained from making such a call, stating that the decision rests with BAM. Rexy had previously acknowledged fans' right to demand his resignation and defended the decision to field scratch men's doubles pair Aaron Chia-Tee Kai Wun, citing the coaches' assessment of the players' form in the months leading up to the Games.