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Let's give BAM a chance to redeem itself


THERE is no denying that all is not well in the BA of Malaysia (BAM) which is grappling with its worst crisis in almost a decade.
It has raised concerns, especially after the Thomas Cup failure but Tuesday's demonstration by a coalition of NGOs was not only unprecedented but needless too.

While the NGOs raised some pertinent issues, en bloc resignation of the BAM council is not going to revive badminton. In fact, it will only make matters worse.

No one will dispute that BAM needs to put its house in order and the responsibility should be with the current stake holders.
Asking them to resign is basically pushing the responsibility of reviving the sport into someone else's hand.

BAM president Datuk Nadzmi Salleh, in his 10th year at the helm, has already started the ball rolling by initiating the post-mortem which began last week with the players and coaches giving their reasons for the failure.

Some also provided possible solutions and the process, which includes a Think Tank, is likely to be concluded in a fortnight.

The methods may be open to argument but BAM is seeking suggestions from every quarter and wants to rectify the situation, and it should be given the chance to do so.

We have to remember that there are three major events -- the World Championships in Paris, Commonwealth Games in New Delhi and the Asian Games in Guangzhou -- in the second half of the year and BAM and the players have to deliver in all three.

This means that changes are needed in training programmes as well as coaches and BAM has already made some decisions.

National doubles chief coach Rexy Mainaky has handed over the responsibility of guiding World No 1 Koo Kien Keat-Tan Boon Heong to Pang Cheh Chang while minor changes have also been made in other areas and more can be expected soon.

BAM has also formed a Think Tank, consisting experts from various fields, and they should be allowed to convene their fact finding.

The Think Tank, which also has two former players, must play its role and the members must decide with clear heads.

Critics will say that BAM has, in the past, failed to implement changes but it is doubtful that it can afford to not do so again.

The concern over badminton is deep and if the players fail to deliver in the three majors, then the BAM council will have no business staying on.

Now, however, is not the time for mass resignations for the damage has to be rectified and it is the responsibility of those who were in charge to do so

NST

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