{
  "id": 7274627,
  "title": "Razif questions BAM's 'confusing target' for Asian Games",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/14/razif-questions-bams-confusing-target-for-asian-games",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-14T08:16:36.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/sports/badminton/2026/09/1532659/razif-questions-bams-confusing-target-asian-games"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Kuala Lumpur: Badminton legend Datuk Razif Sidek expressed confusion over the ambiguity of BAM's (Badminton Association of Malaysia) target for the upcoming Asian Games. Instead of openly stating the goal as gold, BAM announced that the target is one silver and one bronze medal. Razif, however, revealed that privately, the association has encouraged its players to aim for gold. Razif questioned the lack of boldness and confidence in BAM's public statements, emphasizing the significance of achieving the gold medal target. He expressed optimism about the men's doubles pairing of Aaron Chia and Kai Wun, believing they have a chance to win gold in the Aichi-Nagoya Games, but acknowledged the difficulty of the task. Razif emphasized the need for perfect chemistry, preparation, and a bit of luck for the pair to succeed. He also highlighted the historical significance of Aaron-Kai Wun's pairing, drawing parallels to Malaysia's last Asian Games badminton gold at the 2006 Doha edition. BAM is considering offering monetary incentives to its players to break the country's 20-year gold drought at the Asian Games, but Razif urged the players to focus on their performance rather than potential rewards.",
  "summary": "KUALA LUMPUR: Badminton legend Datuk Razif Sidek said today he was puzzled by BAM’s ambiguous approach in announcing its Asian Games target.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 5,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The Indian Express",
        "title": "Faster, smarter, tinier: How gizmos smaller than your palm are powering Asian Games stars",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/14/faster-smarter-tinier-how-gizmos-smaller-than-your-palm-are-powering",
        "published": "2026-09-14T04:44:06.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Channel News Asia",
        "title": "Games-From barefoot hockey to Asian Games, India's Lalremsiami chases golden dream",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/14/games-from-barefoot-hockey-to-asian-games-indias-lalremsiami-chases",
        "published": "2026-09-14T05:11:57.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "The Korea Times",
        "title": "Beds too short in 'worst-ever' Asian Games rooms, say Korea",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/14/beds-too-short-in-worst-ever-asian-games-rooms-say-korea",
        "published": "2026-09-14T08:57:02.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "RTHK English",
        "title": "Ten SAR wushu athletes to compete at Asian Games",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/14/ten-sar-wushu-athletes-to-compete-at-asian-games",
        "published": "2026-09-14T09:02:24.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "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."
}