{
  "id": 16169587,
  "title": "Player cuts loom as BAM prepares for restructuring, says Chong Wei",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/23/player-cuts-loom-as-bam-prepares-for-restructuring-says-chong-wei",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-23T09:11:40.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/sports/badminton/2026/10/1562056/player-cuts-loom-bam-prepares-restructuring-says-chong-wei"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) is set to restructure its players and coaching staff in December, according to performance committee Chairman Datuk Seri Lee Chong Wei. This restructuring will impact both the senior and junior squads. A comprehensive evaluation will determine which players are retained, dropped or integrated into the association's development programs. Singles coaching director Kenneth Jonassen and doubles coaching director Rexy Mainaky will submit their player evaluations before the final decisions are announced. The committee cannot merely retain players without dropping anyone, and reorganizing the player roster is necessary. The coaches will conduct a re-evaluation and submit a list to Lee Chong Wei, who will discuss it with the performance committee. This reshuffle also presents an opportunity for young, talented players aged 12 and 15 to join BAM. However, the number of young players selected depends on talent assessments and current squad needs. The final decision on how many players are brought in will also dictate whether additional coaches are required. Lee Chong Wei emphasizes that a single coach cannot manage too many players, necessitating a well-structured coaching team with sufficient number of coaches and assistant coaches.",
  "summary": "KUALA LUMPUR: The Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) will undergo a restructuring of its players and coaching staff this December, affecting both the senior and junior squads.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}