KUALA LUMPUR: National badminton legend Datuk Seri Jalani Sidek supports the Badminton Association of Malaysia’s (BAM) move in leaving out the professional shuttlers and sending a team comprising juniors and seniors to the 2019 Sudirman Cup mixed team championship.
This, he said, was the best way to give the youngsters exposure and the opportunity to prove their capabilities.
“I support BAM’s decision (to send youngsters and not listing the professional players) because if we had roped in the professional players in this situation, where their ranking is still topsy-turvy, it won’t make a difference…because we are in the same group as China and India.
“But it’s right to field the youngsters and expose them, this is their chance. Without pressure, hopefully, they will give their best as no one is expecting much from them anyway and fans can also see the level the youngsters are at,” he said after the closing ceremony of the Youth and Sports Ministry-Nusa Mahsuri Badminton Talent Camp Programme at Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Seri Bintang Selatan here yesterday. – Bernama
