Sunday, September 30, 2012

Tanya Misbun: Cara Memegang Raket Dengan Betul



MEMEGANG raket mengikut cara yang betul akan membolehkan anda membuat pukulan dengan mudah dan berkesan. Jika tidak, setiap pukulan yang dilakukan anda akan tersasar dari sasaran atau mungkin tidak mengenai bulu tangkis.

Cara memegang raket juga menentukan anda bermain mengikut corak bertahan atau menyerang. Apa yang lebih penting, apabila memegang raket anda harus merasai keberatan dan tahap ringannya. Jika terlalu ringan, anda akan dapat menghayun dengan daya yang sedikit manakala jika berat, anda mungkin terpaksa mengerah tenaga.

Cara memegang raket terbahagi kepada dua kaedah iaitu cengkaman biasa dan cengkaman kilas.

Cengkaman biasa
Cara ini agak mudah. Ibaratkan anda hendak bersalaman dengan seseorang. Ibu jari anda harus menekan pemegang raket dan jari-jari anda mencengkam pemegang raket.

Cengkaman kilas
Tidak mempunyai banyak perbezaan seperti cengkaman biasa. Pada cengkaman ini, lazimnya kedudukan ibu jari anda harus diluruskan untuk memberi tekanan kepada raket ketika anda hendak membuat pukulan.

Terdapat beberapa perkara penting harus diberi perhatian oleh anda ketika mempelajari kaedah betul memegang raket:-
i)membalut pemegang raket dengan pembalut yang bersesuaian dengan citarasa anda bagi mengelakkan kesukaran untuk mencengkam atau membuat pukulan.
ii)bentuk cengkaman amat penting, sama ada kuat ataupun longgar bergantung kepada tahap pukulan anda. Jika tidak berhati-hati, adakalanya raket boleh terlucut dari cengkaman jari anda.
iii)cara memegang raket dengan menggunakan keseluruhan pemegang raket dari pangkal hingga hujung pemegang juga penting untuk menentukan bentuk pukulan yang hendak dibuat.
iv)keberatan raket yang sesuai membolehkan anda menggunakan pergelangan tangan anda untuk mempelbagaikan jenis pukulan. Ia dapat dilakukan jika anda menggerakkan cengkaman anda keseluruhan pemegang raket dengan mudah.

Thursday, September 27, 2012

Ready and willing

PARK Joo Bong is up to the challenge of securing Malaysia's first Olympic gold and it is now up to the B A of Malaysia to decide whether it wants the Korean as the national project manager.
BAM is in the market for a supremo who will manage its 2016, 2020 and 2024 projects and although the national body has said it prefers a local, Joo Bong is ready and willing.
The 1992 Barcelona Olympics gold medalist is particularly excited about BAM's stand that the supremo will have full authority and also clear guidelines.
"As a coach, I want to see my players win an Olympic gold and I have been told BAM has thrown that challenge to the new project manager or coaching director it is going to select. It is a challenge I can accept with accountability," said Joo Bong, who already has had a stint in Malaysia between 2000-2003.
"I spoke to David Wee who was here during the Japan Open and all I can say is that I am interested if there is an official approach from BAM.
"I have also been told that the job comes with full authority and BAM will give a free hand to the manager and that will be be very important in implementing a programme that will lead to securing an Olympic gold."
BAM executive committee member Wee said Joo Bong was genuinely interested in the position but it was up to the association's coaching and training committee to make a decision on whether to hire the Korean.
Courtesy of New Straits Times

Akademi Badminton AirAsia dilancar

PENERAJU syarikat penerbangan tambah murah, AirAsia Berhad mengambil langkah proaktif mencari pengganti Datuk Lee Chong Wei untuk sukan badminton negara apabila melancarkan Akademi Badminton AirAsia (AABA) yang memulakan operasi pada 1 Oktober.
Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif (CEO) Kumpulan AirAsia, Tan Sri Tony Fernandes berkata, sebagai langkah permulaan, tiga pusat akademi dibuka bulan depan.

“Akademi terbabit di Petaling Jaya dan Kepong yang mempunyai 16 gelanggang manakala di Klang, 13 gelanggang yang membabitkan 120 pelajar berusia 12 tahun ke atas,” kata Tony di Akademi AABA, Petaling Jaya semalam.
AirAsia nampaknya serius menubuhkan akademi bagi membantu menyediakan bakat badminton negara apabila melantik empat jurulatih, membabitkan bekas pemain kebangsaan yang berdaftar di bawah Persekutuan Badminton Dunia (BWF) iaitu Jason Lim, Bradon Lee, Guang Ming dan Winnie Lee.

Turut hadir pada majlis itu, Pengerusi AirAsia Berhad Datuk Aziz Bakar, CEO Aireen Omar dan wakil Persatuan Badminton Malaysia (BAM), Ng Chin Chai.

Sesi latihan akademi terbabit berlangsung dua sesi iaitu jam 9 pagi hingga 12 tengah hari serta 3 petang hingga 5 petang pada setiap hujung minggu dengan setiap pelajar dikenakan yuran RM120.
“Dengan adanya AABA, kami harap dapat melahirkan generasi baru pemain badminton bertaraf dunia dan juara di pentas antarabangsa,” kata Tony. “Pelajar akademi ini bukan hanya berlatih tapi juga diberi peluang menyertai kejohanan anjuran BWF baik di Jepun, Taiwan mahupun mana-mana negara.” Sementara itu, Tony berkata, syarikat terbabit akan menganjurkan Kejohanan Badminton Piala AirAsia di Chiang Mai, Thailand tahun ini.

“Kami belum menetapkan tarikh tapi yang pasti ia kejohanan terbuka membabitkan lima kategori, perseorangan dan beregu lelaki, perseorangan dan beregu wanita serta beregu campuran.” Setiausaha Kehormat BAM, Chin Chai gembira dengan inisiatif AirAsia bagi membantu melahirkan lebih ramai pemain bertaraf dunia.
“Ini bagus kerana membantu membangunkan bakat muda di peringkat akar umbi. Ia juga melatih pemain erti profesional sebelum dipilih sebagai pemain kebangsaan dan BAM sentiasa berfikiran terbuka dan menyokong mereka,”

Zulfadli tepati ramalan

BINTANG remaja negara diketuai juara Remaja Dunia, Zulfadli Zulkifli menepati ramalan mara ke pusingan ketiga GP Emas Terbuka Indonesia, hari ini.
Pemain KLRC itu mengatasi pemain tuan rumah, Febriyan Irvannaldy 21-16, 21-8 untuk berdepan seorang lagi pemain Indonesia, Yunus Alamsyah.

Kecemerlangan perseorangan negara terus dilakar pemain Projek 2016, Mohd Arif Latif, Misbun Ramdan Misbun, Iskandar Zulkarnain dan Goh Soon Huat.
Arif menewaskan Arif Ramadhan dari Indonesia 21-19, 21-19 dan akan berdepan pemain kelayakan dari China, Kai Guo manakala Iskandar mengatasi Siswanto 21-13, 21-19, untuk bertemu lawan getir, iaitu pilihan keempat tuan rumah, Dionysius Hayom Rumbaka.

Ramdan juga berpeluang melakar kejutan ke atas pemain ternama dunia apabila dijadual menentang Sho Sasaki dari Jepun selepas dia menewaskan pemain tuan rumah, Senatria Agus Setia Putra 21-11, 21-14.

Soon Huat yang menundukkan Reksy Aureza Megananda (Indonesia) 21-13, 21-17, bakal berdepan pilihan ketiga, Tommy Sugiarto yang juga pemain tuan rumah.
Pusingan kedua perseorangan wanita hari ini akan berlangsung tanpa kelibat pemain negara selepas Sonia Cheah dan Yang Li Lian tewas kepada lawan masing-masing.

Bagi beregu lelaki hanya tinggal Mohd Lutfi Zaim Abdul Khalid-Teo Kok Siang untuk membawa cabaran negara apabila mara ke pusingan kedua selepas mengejutkan pilihan kedua kejohanan dari Jepun, Hirokatsu Hashimoto-Noriyasu Hirata 21-16, 21-15.
Mereka akan menentang pemain tuan rumah, Hafiz Faisal-Putra Eka Rhoma.

Pasangan lain, Chooi Kah Ming-Ow Yao Han, Nelson Heg-Teo Ee Yi, Hoon Thien How-Tan Wee Kiong pula masing masing tewas kepada pemain tuan rumah kurang ternama.

Lebih memeritkan apabila pilihan keenam yang juga pasangan berpengalaman KLRC, Mohd Zakry Latif-Fairuzizuan Tazari tersingkir kepada gandingan Indonesia, Rahmat Adianto-Angriawan Berry 20-22, 21-18, 21-23.

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

Back in winning mode

THE title-winning machine that Lee Chong Wei is, has started to roll again when he captured the Japan Open crown but the BA of Malaysia (BAM) could be ruing its decision to allow Koo Kien Keat-Tan Boon Heong to play on as a pair for a year.
It was Chong Wei's 43rd career title, second only to the 50 won by Lin Dan of China, and was the Malaysian's 27th success in the super series.
Chong Wei has not shown any ill effects after losing the London Olympics final, so it is heartwarming to see him regain his momentum. However, fans will expect Chong Wei, as the World No 1 (a position he will retake from Lin Dan on Thursday) to win the World Championships next year.
While Chong Wei has shown he is still a force on the world stage, BAM may have been deceived by Kien Keat-Boon Heong's so called "sincere request" to allow them to play until the World Championships in August next year.
Going by their performance in Tokyo where they lost to fourth-ranked South Korean pair Kim Ki Jung-Kim Sa Rang, their second defeat in as many meetings, this only goes to show that the worst is yet to come.
The world's top pairs -- except for Denmark's Mathias Boe-Carsten Mogensen -- skipped the Japan Open and Kien Keat-Boon Heong had no business losing if they are truly targeting the World Championships.
Boe-Mogensen were also shown the exit in the second round by Indonesia's Yonathan Dasuki-Hendra Gunawan but despite that, Kien Keat-Boon Heong could not win their first super series title in 21 months and this is a clear indication they cannot hold their own when the top pairs are competing.
BAM can get tough by having a yearend review where it can carry on with its initial decision to split the duo and partner them with Lim Khim Wah and Goh V Shem respectively if they continue to dish out poor results after this.
While Kien Keat-Boon Heong failed to walk the talk, mixed doubles pair Chan Peng Soon-Goh Liu Ying didn't let their golden opportunity slip away by bagging their first super series crown in the absence of the powerful China pairs.
Consistency and hard work should also see Chong Wei Feng, who reached the last eight, and Liew Daren become quality internationals.
Courtesy of New Straits Times

Chong Wei is World No 1 again

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Lee Chong Wei beat Boonsak Ponsana of Thailand in the final of the Japan Open in Tokyo yesterday. Chong Wei won 21-18, 21-18. AFP pic
LEE Chong Wei reclaimed his World No 1 spot from nemesis Lin Dan of China after capturing his third Japan Open title in Tokyo yesterday.
But men's doubles Koo Kien Keat-Tan Boon Heong were sent packing by South Korean back-up pair Kim Ki Jung-Kim Sa Rang.
Chong Wei secured a 21-18, 21-18 win over Thai veteran Boonsak Ponsana in 41 minutes to add to the titles he won in 2007 and 2010.
However, Kien Keat-Boon Heong were toothless against Ki Jung-Sa Rang as the Malaysians lost 21-16, 21-19 in just 32 minutes.
Chong Wei was delighted with yesterday's victory after the frustration of losing to Lin Dan in the Olympic final last month.
Lin Dan and his teammates boycotted the Tokyo tournament following a diplomatic row between China and Japan.
Lin Dan will lose the ranking points he earned for reaching last year's Japan Open semi-finals while Chong Wei will reclaim his World No 1 spot when the weekly world ranking is released by Badminton World Federation on Thursday.
"It was really a good match, but it was tough. This is my first tournament after the London Olympics. I'm very happy to start with this victory. I can put my disappointment behind me," said the 29-year-old Chong Wei yesterday.
However, Kien Keat-Boon Heong's second defeat to Ki Jung-Sa Rang in as many matches may not go down well with the BA of Malaysia (BAM) which has given them another year to prove their worth.
Kien Keat-Boon Heong were supposed to be split after their poor outing in the Olympics and they are not helping themselves with their insipid showing against the Koreans.
The absence of China's shuttlers also allowed Tai Szu Ying of Taiwan to win her first Super Series title in the women's singles when she defeated Eriko Hirose of Japan 9-21, 21-9, 21-14.
Courtesy of New Straits Times

Japan Open: Super title for mixed doubles pair

CHAN Peng Soon-Goh Liu Ying took full advantage of the absence of China's mixed doubles to win their first Super Series crown in the Japan Open yesterday.
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Chan Peng Soon (back) and Goh Liu Ying beat Muhammad Rijal-Liliyana Natsir of Indonesia 21-12, 21-19 to win the mixed doubles crown in the Japan Open yesterday.
The Malaysians, seeded top, defeated Muhammad Rijal-Liliyana Natsir of Indonesia 21-12, 21-19 in 33 minutes for their second title of the year after having clinched the Malaysia Open grand prix gold in May.
The victory was also a consolation after their dismal Olympic debut which saw them losing all their group matches in straight games.
Yesterday's victory will also help them break into the world  top five this week. They are currently ranked World No 7.
Peng Soon said: "I'm very happy to win my first Super Series title. We will certainly work harder and continue improving our performance on the international stage."
Coach Jeremy Gan said Peng Soon-Liu Ying executed their game plan well against Rijal-Liliyana, and the victory should motivate them to do better.
"They planned their game well and only made a few mistakes at the net. Overall, their combination has been improving and it is also important for them be mature in their performance."
It was their fourth career title. Peng Soon-Liu Ying won the 2010 Asian Championships and last year's Bitburger Open.
Courtesy of New Straits Times

Sunday, September 23, 2012

Japan Open: Day 5 - Tzu Ying Dazzles Against Sung Ji Hyun

Tai Tzu Ying of Chinese Taipei came up with a delectable exhibition of deception and accuracy today to outclass Sung Ji Hyun and enter the Women’s Singles final of the Yonex Japan Open 2012.
The Taipei teenager showed glimpses of the class that has seen her emerge as one of the brightest prospects on the women’s tour. Her second Superseries final will be against Japanese veteran Eriko Hirose who overpowered Porntip Buranaprasertsuk of Thailand in the other semi-final.
In Men’s Singles, top seed Lee Chong Wei brooked no resistance from Simon Santoso (Indonesia; 3) as he breezed past him, 21-7 21-17. Lee’s opponent in the
final will be Thailand’s Boonsak Ponsana, who overcame a spirited fight-back from Hong Kong’s Hu Yun, to win 21-17 17-21 21-19.
“It was really tough. I’m very tired,” said Ponsana (at right) to the press. Reflecting on the final against Chong Wei, he said: “He plays very fast and controls the game well. It will be very difficult. I lost to him many times, but I’ve defeated him twice. I will do my best.”
Tzu Ying stole the show today, though. The Taipei girl unleashed a variety of strokes to keep Sung Ji Hyun constantly off-balance, while her smashes found the line on either flank with deadly accuracy. She won the second game rather easily, but found herself down 5-11 in the third.
Tzu Ying refused to surrender, reducing her errors and firing winners from improbable angles. A couple times she surprised Sung with her backhand serve flicked high, and her accuracy and power slowly wore down South Korean Sung, whose errors began to mount. Tzu Ying was a comfortable winner in the end, closing out the match 16-21 21-16 21-17.
Hirose’s encounter against Porntip Buranaprasertsuk was in contrast to the second semi-final. The Japanese girl was pushed in the first game, but her speed and power eventually broke apart Buranaprasertsuk’s challenge. Hirose used her sliced drop to devastating effect, with her opponent stranded mid-court on a few occasions, unable to read the shot.
The Japanese surprisingly have never won a gold medal at their home Japan Open. They will have an opportunity to overturn this tomorrow – apart from Hirose, who is in the Women’s Singles final, the Women’s Doubles duo of Shizuka Matsuo and Mami Naito will also contest the final. They must get past Lok Yan Poon/Tse Ying Tsuet (Hong Kong; at left), who surprised the local hopefuls and No. 3 seeds Miyuki Maeda/ Satoko Suetsuna 16-21 21-8 21-18 to dash hopes of an all-Japanese showdown.
The Mixed Doubles will see Muhammad Rijal/Lilyana Natsir (Indonesia, 5) against Chan Peng Soon/Goh Liu Ying (Malaysia, 1), while the Men’s Doubles will feature Kim Ki Jung/ Kim Sa Rang (Kor, 7) against Malaysians Koo Kien Keat/Tan Boon Heong.

BWF: Disqualifications Must ‘Serve as Lesson’

Badminton World Federation (BWF) has signalled strong support for investigations into the incidents leading to the disqualification of eight badminton players from the London Olympic Games.
In correspondence to its entire membership, BWF President Dr. Kang Young Joong said: “BWF notes favourably, from media reports, that internal investigations and evaluations of this matter have taken place in some of the three countries directly involved. BWF would like to express our support for such steps.”
Additionally, he insisted the spotlight should not only fall on players but also on “coaches, managers and other influential persons within the respective national badminton entourages to ensure all stakeholders subscribe to the expected ethical standards and sporting ideals”.
While the matter – stemming from two Women’s Doubles matches in the final round of Group Stage action – involved four pairs from three countries (China; Indonesia; South Korea - two pairs), Dr. Kang stressed it “must serve as a lesson to us all” and called on each BWF member association “to review its elite structures and programmes; thus ensuring badminton is played with the highest degree of ethical sporting standards”.
“It is incumbent upon all of us in the international badminton family to guarantee our sport’s integrity and to strengthen its standing among the global sporting community. This is a priority of utmost importance and we cannot shirk from this duty. Such an embarrassment must never befall us again,” he said.
As pledged, he disclosed BWF is “already reviewing the playing regulations and any decisions about changes will be deliberated at our upcoming Council Session in November”. The world-governing body also reaffirmed its commitment to “creating increased awareness among players and their entourages regarding badminton’s ethics…and anticipates the full and uncompromising backing of its member associations in this effort”.
The BWF President noted badminton’s international profile, financial wellbeing and fan base have grown appreciably in recent years and there’s much of which “we in the badminton fraternity can be proud”. Citing the fact that all badminton Olympic sessions were “sold out” and “more matches than ever were played and televised in an Olympic Games”, he said the sport is now televised throughout the year in 150 countries and with more than 7,000 hours of television coverage. There has also been a significant increase on BWF’s broadband channel (www.badmintonworld.tv) with nearly 15 million views and close to 35,000 subscribers since its official launch.
Tournament-wise, more prize money is on offer now on the exciting OSIM BWF World Superseries tour, including the first-ever million-dollar event. Badminton is constantly penetrating new markets and BWF’s grassroots initiative, Shuttle Time – aimed at fostering school-aged talent – will expose more than 700,000 children to badminton in its first two years of the project, said Dr. Kang also highlighting BWF’s push for Para-Badminton’s inclusion in the 2020 Paralympic Games.
“Badminton is a wonderful sport, enjoyed by millions at professional and recreational level,” he noted, while cautioning that the sport’s recent progress and gains “cannot be taken for granted”.

*****
NOTE: On Wednesday, 1 August, 2012, following a meeting of BWF’s Disciplinary Committee, four Women’s Doubles pairs were disqualified from the London 2012 Olympic Games.
They were: Wang Xiaoli and Yu Yang (China); Greysia Polii and Meiliana Jauhari (Indonesia); Jung Kyung Eun and Kim Ha Na (South Korea); and Ha Jung Eun and Kim Min Jung (South Korea).
The pairs were charged under BWF’s Players’ Code of Conduct – Sections 4.5 and 4.16 respectively – with “not using one’s best efforts to win a match” and “conducting oneself in a manner that is clearly abusive or detrimental to the sport”.
The Indonesian and Korean pairs appealed the decision with the Indonesians later withdrawing their appeal prior to it being considered. The Koreans had their appeals rejected by the Chair of BWF’s Appeals Committee.

Mokhzani for Nadzmi?


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Datuk Seri Nadzmi Salleh will step down as BAM president next year.

BA of Malaysia (BAM) president Datuk Seri Nadzmi Salleh will step down next year and has backed Sepang International Circuit (SIC) chairman Datuk Mokhzani Mahathir as a potential successor.

Nadzmi, who was elected unopposed in 2000 and wants to see out his term which ends in May, said he would leave it to the affiliates to decide the next president.
BAM deputy presidents Datuk Al Amin Majid and Tengku Kamil Ismail Tengku Idris Shah are also in the running but Nadzmi wants the affiliates to decide whether they want an internal man to lead the association or a corporate figure.
Businessman Mokhzani served as president of the SRA of Malaysia in 2003-2004 and the Asian Squash Federation between 1997 and 2001 and is a keen follower of badminton.
"Mokhzani was one of the names suggested during the London Olympics to take over as BAM president from me.
"He has also expressed his interest but I will leave to BAM to decide whether they want an insider or a corporate leader to succeed me," said Nadzmi yesterday.
"Current BAM deputy presidents Al Amin and Tengku Kamil are the individuals from within the council who are also in the running and I want the decision to come from the members.
"I have been serving BAM for the last 12 years and being the president of the most popular sport in the country is a really difficult task.
"I know Mokhzani well. If he is elected, he must be ready to go through plenty of hardship as badminton is a sport where we are chasing Olympic gold.
"Public expectations are extremely high and there are plenty of obstacles and one of the major things that needs to be maintained is the steady flow of funding which is needed to sustain the national programme which is expanding.
"Funding is very essential in our search to identify another Lee Chong Wei and this is just one of the challenges the future president will face."
Funding may not be an issue if Mokhzani takes over as his wealth is estimated to be US$685 million (RM2.08 billion) by Forbes magazine, which listed him as the 14th richest man in Malaysia this year.
Mokhzani is the group chief executive officer of Kencana Petroleum Berhad and several other companies.
Courtesy of New Straits Times

Japan Open: Malaysians through to three finals

In the absence of all the top China players, Malaysian shuttlers, led by world No. 2 Lee Chong Wei (pic) stormed into three finals at the Japan Open in Tokyo yesterday.
The 29-year-old Chong Wei, playing in his first tournament since the heartbreaking final loss to arch rival Lin Dan in last month’s London Olympics, was back at his fiery best as he easily crushed Indonesian third seed Simon Santoso 21-7, 21-17.
It was his ninth win over Simon in 10 meetings and Chong Wei, who has yet to drop a single game, will be the hot favourite for the title.
The Penangite, who lost to Chen Long in last year’s final, should have no problems against Thailand’s Boonsak Ponsana in the final.
Former world No. 4 Boonsak, who has been in good form since recovering from injury earlier this year, stopped the fine run of China Masters finalist Hu Yun of Hong Kong.
He won 21-17, 17-21, 21-19 and will be eyeing his second title of year after winning the Singapore Open in June.
In the men’s doubles, the much criticised pair of Koo Kien Keat-Tan Boon Heong appeared to have found a new lease of life, as they blew away team-mates Hoon Thien How-Tan Wee Kiong.
The pair recorded a 21-15, 21-17 win and will have a chance to end a long title drought dating back to May last year when they won the Malaysian Open GP Gold.
However, Kien Keat-Boon Heong, who are seeded second in Tokyo, will have much work to do if they are to silence their doubters as they face young Korean pair Kim Ki-jung-Kim Sa-rang in the final.
The seventh seeded Ki-jung-Sa-rang, who beat Kien Keat-Boon Heong in the Malaysian Open this year, were also in great form as they brushed aside local pair Hiroyuki Saeki-Ryota Taohata 21-9, 21-8 in just 24 minutes.
The triple joy was completed by mixed doubles pair Chan Peng Soon-Goh Liu Ying who eased past Japan’s Takeshi Kamura-Koharu Yonemoto 21-19, 21-13.
They will face Muhammad Rijal-Liliyana Natsir in the final after the Indonesian fifth seeds defeated home favourites Shintaro Ikeda-Reiko Shiota 21-9, 21-11.
“They started well but were too cautious in the first game. It was an improved performance though in the second as they opened up the game and anticipated shots better,” said mixed doubles coach Jeremy Gan.
Courtesy of The Star

Saturday, September 8, 2012

Nadzmi clarifies that all decisions were made collectively

Datuk Seri Nadzmi Mohd Salleh will end his 10-year tenure as president of the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) next year knowing that no one has influenced or controlled him during that time.
Nadzmi said that all decisions – either at the coaching and training committee or the council – were made collectively.
Nadzmi, who is a well-respected corporate figure, admitted yesterday that being the president of BAM “is a thankless job”.
“When issues crop up, we discuss and the committee make a decision. No one whispers into my ears. Everyone is given a chance to voice his opinion. I am not controlled by others,” said Nadzmi.
Nadzmi: ‘No one whispers into my ears.’Nadzmi: ‘No one whispers into my ears.’
“We have put into place a system and we follow the right processes in decision-making. Under my leadership, there has not been any internal chaos.
“I have served the association with the best interest. I have devoted my time and money but truly it is a thankless job.
“We get bashed when things go wrong ... but no one thanks us when we do well. People do not know the whole picture.”
On Wednesday, former national coach Rexy Mainaky of Indonesia claimed that Nadzmi was influenced by a select group of people in the BAM.
Several other coaches have also voiced their opinions over the last few days on ways to improve the running of BAM, hoping that it will be taken into consideration during the BAM’s coaching and training committee meeting tomorrow.
The meeting, to be chaired by BAM secretary Ng Chin Chai, will re-look the direction Malaysian badminton should take after the London Games.
“I can’t help but feel I am in a scene from David and Goliath. No matter what we do, the management is always seen in a bad light. This is not fair. Everyone is hitting us with slingshots,” said Nadzmi.
Nadzmi, however, said that he understood why many are concerned about badminton.
“It is all about their emotion. They want the best ... I understand. Do you know how I make money in business? I listen to others and I do not do everything myself. I am a strategist. But I do not listen to one opinion only,” he said.
“When I took over as BAM president, we were RM3mil in debt. Now, we have sponsors wanting to be associated with us.
“We have potential players but it takes time to mould them.
“I can give the best education to my child, send him to the best school, shower him with all the best facilities but what if he does not want to become somebody. BAM can only do so much.”
Nadzmi hopes that his successor will be able to manage the team well.
“I wanted to leave four years ago but was coaxed out of it by the council members.
“This time, I will make sure that there is a proper handover. I am fair and I do not hide behind my failures.
“I just hope the next president will not re-invent the wheel and the council will choose the right man to empower the team.”
Courtesy of The Star

Joo-bong: BAM must spell out clearly the role of a head coach

If ever South Korean Park Joo-bong is named head coach of the Malaysian badminton team, he will make sure several things are spelt out clearly – specifically his role and responsibilities.
The Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) are desperately seeking a chief coach to head their coaching and training programme.
Many names have been mentioned, including Joo-bong’s.
Yap Kim Hock was BAM’s supremo from 2004-2008 but he did not have full authority on certain matters related to players and coaches. In fact, BAM do not have a specific guideline on what a chief coach can and cannot do.
As such, former Olympic champion Joo-bong, armed with a wealth of experience, gave his view on what a head coach’s job and role should encompass.
“If I am appointed, the first thing I would be interested in is BAM’s structure. The BAM should lay out their structure first. How can the national, back-up and junior programmes co-exist?” said Joo-bong.
“The squad’s targets need to be specific, with their short- and long-term plans clearly spelt out.
“The next focus is the 2016 Olympic Games and one must not forget the Asian Games in 2014 and Thomas Cup.
“Then, there is the selection of players. The head coach must have a full say on it. He will also have to oversee the training programmes and make the right decisions. He must determine the tournaments for the elite and back-up players. The management cannot meddle in this.”
Joo-bong, who was Malaysia’s chief coach from 2000-2003, said that apart from being given the power to make decisions, the head coach should also be given full backing by the BAM.
“The job of a head coach comes with huge responsibility and power. He will be the strategist. He should be given some form of control but, of course, some matters need to be discussed with the parent body. But when it comes to technical matters, the chief coach should be given the trust to do the job,” he said.
On the future of Malaysian badminton, he said: “Malaysia have been depending on Lee Chong Wei and Koo Kien Keat-Tan Boon Heong for the last few years. I see some potential players in the team but the number is not as big as before. This aspect needs to be looked into.”
Joo-bong has been the head coach for Japan over the last seven years and he has transformed its image from minnows into a respected badminton country.
Asked whether he would consider returning if offered a lucrative financial package, he said: “My contract with Japan runs until March (next year).
“Yes, I am open to the idea but no one has approached me yet.”
Joo-bong won’t come cheap and BAM will definitely have to fork out a tidy sum. But then again, it could very well turn out to be a worthwhile investment.
Courtesy of The Star

Split for a brighter future

Former international Datuk James Selvaraj, who has served BAM as a high performance director for two years, said Koo Kien Keat and Tan Boon Heong may not be able to sustain their momentum come 2016 and that Boon Heong can forge a strong partnership with V Shem if they start early.
However, Selvaraj said the new combination must be sent to grand prix tournaments first while Kien Keat-Boon Heong could still play in the Super Series until the end of the year before settling down with their new partners.
As for Kien Keat, there could be a direct switch where he could combine with V Shem's present partner Lim Khim Wah or any other player who suits his style.
Selvaraj is adamant that the current practice of having specific pairs train with different coaches must be stopped and all pairs must train under one roof so that the back-up pairs can improve faster training with the seniors.
At the moment, Kien Keat-Boon Heong are handled by Pang Cheh Chang while men's doubles chief coach Tan Kim Her and his assistant Chong Kein Ling handle seven other pairs.
"Boon Heong and V Shem have much potential and should be given the chance to partner each other. It will be very hard for Kien Keat-Boon Heong to sustain the momentum as a pair and if BAM is looking at the 2016 Olympics, it has to make a hard decision," said Selvaraj.
"Kien Keat-Boon Heong can still play in the Super Series but must compete in the grand prix events with their new partners. This will help the coaches evaluate their effectiveness. They can go full swing by January.
"Boon Heong is experienced and has got powerful smashes while V Shem is good at interceptions and at the net. The fact that V Shem is also a hard hitter and is able to play at the baseline will give their attack more options.
"They can become a strong pair in a short period and as changes are also being made by our rivals, we need to be prepared for the 2016 Games.
"The doubles squad should also train as a unit as the back-up pairs can learn from the seniors. We have three world junior champions in our stable and they can progress faster by training together."
Tan Wee Kiong-Hoon Thien How, Mak Hee Chun-Teo Kok Siang, Vountus Indra Mawan-Lutfi Zaim Khalid are the other senior pairs while the junior combinations are Ow Yao Han-Chooi Kah Ming, Nelson Heg-Teo Ee Yi and Yew Hong Kheng-Low Juan Shen.
Selvaraj also said that Rashid Sidek and Hendrawan should focus on grooming the back-up players while Tey Seu Bock should continue guiding Lee Chong Wei, Liew Daren and Chong Wei Feng.
"Rashid is more valuable in guiding players with potential and should be looking at the younger group with Hendrawan. The duo should be able to help the back-up players progress faster," said Selvaraj.
"Seu Bock has been in charge of the seniors for some time so he should be able to handle them well."
Misbun Ramdan Misbun, Iskandar Zulkarnain Zainuddin, Goh Soon Huat and Loh Wei Sheng are the top four back-up players and Selvaraj feels they should be given more attention with Chong Wei expected to call it a day in 2014.
Courtesy of New Straits Times

BAM makin parah?

SITUASI memilih jurulatih serta pasangan dalam kem badminton negara boleh dianggap bertambah parah hingga memerlukan Persatuan Badminton Malaysia (BAM) merombak struktur latihan sedia ada.
Bekas pengarah dan ahli Pasukan Prestasi Tinggi (HPT), Datuk James Selvaraj menegaskan, apa yang berlaku dalam kejurulatihan ketika ini tidak betul.

“Saya nampak jurulatih melaksanakan tugas mereka dengan baik tapi tidak bersetuju Pang Cheh Chang melatih Koo Kien Keat-Tan Boon Heong saja. Sepatutnya jika ada tiga jurulatih sekalipun, mereka mesti bergabung melatih semua pemain,” kata James.
“Saya akan cadangkan kepada BAM agar memberi kuasa mutlak kepada Tan Kim Her menjaga pemain beregu lelaki sambil dibantu jurulatih lain.

“Kien Keat-Boon Heong mesti dipisahkan selepas mereka gagal menghasilkan keputusan yang baik di Olimpik London. Tidak salah jika menggandingkan Kien Keat-Lim Khim Wah, Boon Heong-Goh V Shem ketika menyertai kejohanan kelas GP Emas manakala kekalkan gandingan asal ketika menyertai Siri Super. Waktu inilah untuk BAM membuat penilaian gandingan mana lebih baik.

“Cheh Chang pula mesti ditukarkan ke bahagian lain atau beralih ke Sekolah Sukan Bukit Jalil (SSBJ).” Tumpuan semua jurulatih akan memastikan pemain beregu muda negara yang dibarisi beberapa gandingan yang muncul juara di peringkat remaja Asia dan Dunia, lebih cepat matang di pentas antarabangsa.
Sementara itu, James juga menganggap ketua jurulatih perseorangan Rashid Sidek perlu bergandingan dengan Hendrawan untuk melatih pemain pelapis kerana beliau merasakan gandingan dua bekas juara itu mampu hasilkan keputusan lebih baik.

“Sekarang di bahagian elit hanya ada empat pemain dan Chan Kwong Beng tidak relevan lagi berbanding Chong Wei Feng dan Liew Daren. Lebih baik biarkan Tey Seu Bock bersama seorang pembantu, melatih pemain ini termasuk Chong Wei dengan Rashid ke skuad pelapis.
“Saya pasti jika Rashid dan Hendrawan bergabung, pemain seperti Misbun Ramdan Misbun, Arif Latif dan Gohn Soon Huat akan lebih cepat meningkat. Malah mereka sekali sekala boleh menyertai skuad yang dilatih Seu Bock.

“Ketiga-tiga pemain ini masih muda, bawah 23 tahun jika mereka tidak berjaya pada 2016 sekalipun, mereka masih boleh bermain hingga 2020,” kata James lagi.

Bekas pemain dan jurulatih kebangsaan itu berkata, beliau akan menyuarakan cadangan terbabit dalam mesyuarat C&T meskipun mendapat kecaman daripada pegawai tertentu kerana menurutnya apa yang berlaku kini adalah realiti sebenar badminton negara.

Friday, September 7, 2012

Japan Open: Chong Wei's title?

THE draw suggests it could be a triumphant return for Lee Chong Wei in the Japan Open after a deserving break from the London Olympics but coaches are not expecting fireworks from the World No 2 during the Sept 18-23 tournament.
Chong Wei, in the absence of China's two-time Olympic champion Lin Dan, is the top seed and is tipped to meet Olympic bronze medallist Chen Long, the second seed, in the final.
The challenge also looks thin as Chong Wei will meet Wong Wing Ki of Hong Kong in the first round, Nguyen Tien Minh of Vietnam or China's Wang Zhengming in the second, and another of China's players Du Pengyu in the last eight.
A semi-final against either Kenichi Tago of Japan or Danish veteran Peter Gade Christensen will not pose any threat, so Chong Wei will be the favourite against Chen Long whom he destroyed in the semi-finals of the London Games last month.
However, national singles coach Tey Seu Bock said Chong Wei had gone through a tough period in his build-up to the Olympics and will take a light approach to the Japan Open. "Of course Chong Wei wants to win the Japan Open but for the first time in so many years he will not be under pressure. He is just coming back after enduring a tough period and he will take his time to start setting new targets again," said Seu Bock.
Chong Wei has also been playing in the China Super League the last few days and has already skipped the China Masters which begin on Tuesday.
Seu Bock hinted that Chong Wei, 30, is still good enough to win Super Series tournaments but will not be in contention in every event that he plays.
Liew Daren made it to the main draw where he will meet Taiwan's Chou Tien Chen while Chong Wei Feng will play Sho Sasaki of Japan in the first round.
Underfire men's doubles Koo Kien Keat-Tan Boon Heong are in danger of making a first-round exit as they will meet South Koreans Kim Ki Jung-Kim Sa Rang, and if they survive, will be up against Indonesia's new combination of Markis Kido-Alvent Yulianto. Bogey pair Hong Wei-Shen Ye of China await them in the last eight if they advance that far.
Chan Peng Soon-Goh Liu Ying get a golden chance of making the most of the absence of top China, Denmark and Indonesia pairs who have taken a break after the Olympics.
Peng Soon-Liu Ying are top-seeded for the first time in a Super Series event and the Japan Open provides them with a good chance of bouncing back from a disastrous London Games where they lost all their group matches in straight games.
Courtesy of New Straits Times

Wednesday, September 5, 2012

Cross Court Net Shot

The beauty of a good cross court net shot is that it's probably not what your opponent is expecting. Because of this you have the element of surprise without having to risk playing a difficultly disguised shot, meaning you'll gain an instant advantage over your opponents.
By waiting until the very last moment to hit the shot, you can easily catch them off guard and hit the shuttle to the place where they were least expecting it to go.
The video below shows exactly how to play the cross court net shot perfectly without the shuttle travelling too high over the net or going straight in to the net.
Peters' explanation is clear and easy to understand with some excellent coaching points that you can use yourself to practice this variation on a typical net shot.

Transformasi beregu badminton negara

BARISAN pemain beregu lelaki, wanita dan campuran bakal mengalami transformasi apabila ada dalam kala- ngan mereka dipilih untuk beraksi dalam dua acara pada mana-mana kejohanan yang akan disertai.
Ketua jurulatih beregu lelaki, Tan Kim Her berkata, keputusan itu adalah hasil persetujuan menerusi perbincangan dengan ketua jurulatih beregu wanita, Rosman Razak; jurulatih beregu lelaki, Pang Cheh Chang dan jurulatih beregu campuran, Jeremy Gan.
Katanya, beliau akan mencadangkan perkara tersebut ketika mesyuarat Jawatankuasa Kejurulatihan dan Latihan (CTC) Persatuan Badminton Malaysia (BAM) Sabtu ini.
"Bagi program ini, pemain beregu lelaki akan beraksi dalam acara beregu campuran dan begitu juga dengan wanita iaitu secara tetap mana- kala pemain beregu campuran pula akan diberi peluang beraksi dalam acara beregu lelaki atau wanita.
"Saya sudah ada enam calon pemain di bawah kendalian saya (lelaki) untuk beraksi dalam acara beregu campuran. Namun, saya tidak boleh dedahkan nama mereka dahulu kerana perlu tunggu sehingga mesyuarat CTC, Sabtu ini.
"Untuk calon pemain beregu wanita dan beregu campuran, saya serahkan kepada jurulatih mereka membuat keputusan.
"Ini merupakan salah satu program yang dirangka bagi mempersiapkan para pemain menghadapi Sukan Olimpik 2016 di Rio de Janeiro, Brazil yang mana acara beregu campuran turut disenaraikan pada temasya itu.
"Sebenarnya kita mahu memulakan program ini lebih awal tetapi di- sebabkan kesibukan bagi melakukan persiapan Sukan Olimpik 2012, kita tangguhkan dahulu. Sekarang, Sukan Olimpik sudah tamat dan ia adalah masa yang sesuai untuk memulakan program tersebut.
"Saya tidak fikir program ini akan mendatangkan masalah kepada CTC untuk meluluskannya kerana ia dibuat demi kebaikan para pemain beregu negara," kata Kim Her ketika ditemui Kosmo! sejurus tamat sesi latihan skuad badminton negara di Stadium Juara, Bukit Kiara, Kuala Lumpur semalam.
Ditanya sama ada program itu hanya akan memberi tekanan kepada para pemain, Kim Her berkata: "Untuk beraksi dalam dua acara, sudah pasti jurulatih akan memilih pemain yang benar-benar layak sahaja.
"Pemain akan dipilih berdasarkan kekuatan fizikal dan kualiti yang dimiliki mereka. Jika mereka tidak tidak ada kriteria itu, tidak mungkin mereka akan dipilih."
Jelas beliau, menerusi program tersebut ia akan memberi banyak kebaikan kepada para pemain yang terlibat.
"Pemain beregu lelaki dan wanita yang beraksi dalam acara beregu campuran akan dapat belajar dan me- ningkatkan kemahiran mereka tentang teknik mengawal gelanggang dengan lebih baik.
"Pemain beregu campuran yang beraksi dalam acara beregu lelaki atau wanita pula akan meningkatkan tahap kepantasan dan kekuatan kaki mereka," jelas Kim Her.
Ketika ini, skuad negara memiliki empat pasangan beregu elit lelaki, tiga beregu wanita dan empat beregu campuran.

Tuesday, September 4, 2012

Gandingan Kien Keat-Boon Heong masih relevan

"MEREKA (Koo Kien Keat-Tan Boon Heong) harus dikekalkan sebagai pasangan beregu lelaki negara."
Itu cadangan yang akan dibentangkan oleh jurulatih beregu lelaki, Pang Cheh Chang kepada Jawatankuasa Kejurulatihan dan Latihan (CTC) Persatuan Badminton Malaysia (BAM) Sabtu ini.
Cheh Chang berkata, berdasarkan prestasi Kien Keat-Boon Heong yang mara sehingga ke separuh akhir Sukan Olimpik 2012 di London bulan lalu, gandingan itu masih mampu menghadirkan kejayaan buat negara sekurang-kurangnya untuk tempoh dua tahun lagi.
"Apa yang saya akan lakukan adalah memberi penjelasan menyeluruh kepada CTC mengenai situasi sebenar yang dialami oleh Kien Keat-Boon Heong sepanjang Sukan Olimpik di London.
"Ia termasuk prestasi mereka dalam setiap perlawanan dan apa yang mereka lalui sepanjang persiapan bagi menghadapi Sukan Olimpik terutama ketika menjalani latihan di Universiti of Bath di United Kingdom.
"Saya mahu CTC mendapat gambaran sebenar mengenai hal tersebut sebelum membuat sebarang keputusan sama ada memecahkan gandingan mereka atau sebaliknya," kata Cheh Chang ketika dihubungi Kosmo! semalam.
Menurut beliau, Kien Keat-Boon Heong telah mempamerkan banyak peningkatan bermula dari Terbuka Indonesia iaitu kejohanan terakhir yang disertai pasangan tersebut sebelum Sukan Olimpik dan sepanjang temasya di London itu.
"Jika mereka tidak ada kesungguhan untuk mempamerkan peningkatan, macam mana mereka boleh layak sehingga ke separuh akhir?
"Saya sebagai jurulatih saya tahu apa yang mereka lalui. Lagipun, saya lihat mereka kini berada pada landasan yang tepat untuk kembali ke tahap prestasi sebenar mereka seperti sebelum ini.
"Berdasarkan situasi itu, saya berpendapat mereka masih boleh dikekalkan sebagai pasangan beregu untuk tempoh sekurang-kurangnya dua tahun lagi. Namun, untuk tempoh dua tahun selepas itu, saya tidak boleh memberi jaminan," jelas Cheh Chang.
Bagaimanapun, Cheh Chang tidak menolak kemungkinan bahawa Kien Keat-Boon Heong masih boleh beraksi pada Sukan Olimpik 2016 di Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
"Apa yang menjadi masalah untuk menyaksikan mereka beraksi pada Sukan Olimpik 2016 adalah faktor usia. Ketika itu nanti, Kien Keat akan berusia 31 tahun dan Boon Heong 29 tahun.
"Namun, jika kita lihat pemain seperti Cai Yun (China), dia masih beraksi pada Sukan Olimpik di London biarpun berusia 31 tahun dan begitu juga Jung Jae Sung (Korea Selatan).
"Jadi, tidak ada sebab Kien Keat-Boon Heong tidak boleh melakukannya. Jika mereka boleh menjaga tahap kecergasan tubuh badan mereka, tidak mustahil mereka boleh beraksi pada Sukan Olimpik 2016.
"Cuma, saya tidak boleh untuk memberi jaminan. Apa-apa boleh terjadi di luar jangkaan kita terutamanya masalah kecederaan. Tidak ada siapa pun yang meramalkan bila mereka akan mengalami kecederaan," ujar Cheh Chang.
Masa depan Kien Keat-Boon Heong mula mencetuskan tanda tanya ekoran kegagalan beregu No. 8 dunia itu meraih sebarang pingat pada Sukan Olimpik 2012 termasuk bergelut dengan prestasi tidak menentu sepanjang dua tahun kebelakangan ini

Monday, September 3, 2012

BAM must put faith in home-grown coaches, says sports lecturer

The Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) should have faith in local coaches and stop depending on foreign expertise.
The local coaches, however, should not sit on their laurels but educate themselves to become better and more knowledgable in all aspects of the game.
This is the opinion of Tuan Sheikh Kamaruddin Sheikh Ahmad, a lecturer with the Physical Education Department of Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), who has been vocal on the importance of educating the sports community.
He said BAM should even go as far as entrusting the job of national coaching director to a local.
Sheikh Kamaruddin: ‘Local coaches should take up courses and not be satisfied with their past experience as a player to get by.’Sheikh Kamaruddin: ‘Local coaches should take up courses and not be satisfied with their past experience as a player to get by.’
“We have engaged many foreigners in the past and they have contributed much to the sport. But the time has come for Malaysia to rely on the local coaches,” said Sheikh Kamaruddin.
BAM are looking at revamping their coaching and training structure and their new proposals will be revealed at a meeting on Sept 8. They are also looking at candidates for the chief coach position.
Malaysia have had many foreign coaches before, including Fang Kai Xiang, Han Jian and Li Mao of China; Morten Frost of Denmark and Park Joo-bong of South Korea.
BAM hired Yap Kim Hock as the chief coach in 2005 to show their faith in local coaches but terminated his services after the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
Malaysian badminton has been without a chief coach ever since.
Sheikh Kamaruddin said he was frustrated with the lack of enthusiasm shown by local coaches as far as equipping themselves with knowledge of the game.
“They should take up courses and not be satisfied with their past experience as a player to get by,” he said.
“Coaching a player is not only about improving their skills on the court. There are other aspects like sports science, psychology, physiology etc.”
“We have many sports science experts from the National Sports Institute (NSI) but their contribution is useless if the coaches don’t know what they want from a player.
“They should analyse and work together to maximise the potential of an athlete.”
Sheikh Kamaruddin is hoping that BAM’s coaching and training committee will avoid making the same mistakes again.
Courtesy of The Star

Sunday, September 2, 2012

Para-Badminton 2020 Vision

London 2012 is underway and BWF has a vision to have Para-Badminton as part of the 2020 Paralympic Games.
Day 1 of the London 2012 Paralympic Games is over with the more than 4000 athletes from 165 nations resting ready to get on the track, in the pool or on the mat for Day 2 of competition.
From the spectacular Opening Ceremony last night to the intense competition on Day 1 these Games are following the same path as the Olympic Games a few weeks back – full arenas with passionate UK sports fans eager to see world class performances in whatever sport they can get a ticket for. Like the Olympic Games, London and the UK have embraced these Games.
It’s clear that Badminton must be a part of future Paralympic celebrations of sport. Para-Badminton would be a positive addition to the sports programme for the 2020 edition of the Paralympic Games. Badminton was not included in the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games. In its 2009 / 2010 bid for inclusion in Rio 2016, the BWF learned that it needed to do more for Para-Badminton and to position the sport well for inclusion.
Since 2010, the BWF has made major steps forward, including:
1. becoming an IPC Recognised International Organisation
2. integrating Para-Badminton into the governance and management structure
3. reviewing the Para-Badminton rules and implementing new Classification Regulations
4. increasing funding for development and increasing activities to develop Para-Badminton
5. integrating Para-Badminton into the BWF Strategic Plan 2012  -2016
These are all positive steps to prepare the sport from inclusion in 2020.
The BWF recently launched player profiles on a Para-Badminton section on WorldBadminton.TV with a series of inspirational short stories from some of our players on the Para-Badminton circuit.
The London 2012 Olympic Games continues for 11 days of competition with the Closing Ceremony on Sunday 9 September 2012 (link to official site). BWF is represented in London and is making the voice for Para-Badminton hear by those decisions makers for 2020.

Rashid believes current coaches capable of producing winners

NATIONAL men's singles chief Rashid Sidek is confident it is  possible to help the  men's singles squad progress fast without further additions to his coaching staff.
Rashid and Tey Seu Bock are in charge of Lee Chong Wei and three other shuttlers while Hendrawan looks after the other seven players but a possible reshuffle will see all three playing significant roles in guiding the combination of seniors and back-up players.
The BA of Malaysia (BAM) is keen to add Li Mao in the set-up but the China coach's troubled previous stint doesn't make him a favourite among the current group of coaches in the national team.
Li Mao, who was hired in April, 2005, only lasted until January, 2007, as he decided to leave without offering a concrete reason although it was understood some of the changes he wanted to implement didn't get the greenlight of BAM and there was also a fallout between him and Chong Wei.
However, Rashid said Li Mao is not a factor at this point as there has been no confirmation of his arrival but he is more concerned about the role the current singles coaches will be playing.
"I believe the current three coaches are capable of helping the younger players progress faster and I don't think an additional coach, even if a foreigner, can do much," said Rashid.
"Chong Wei is slowing down and there is an opening now as he is willing to help the youngsters by sparring with them more. In the buildup to the Olympics, the other players helped in his training sessions but they can now progress faster with Chong Wei playing the mentor's role.
"The coaching and training committee (CTC) must give us an insight first on what direction BAM is taking as we have yet to know the long term plan of the association.
"There was plenty of focus on Chong Wei's preparations for the Olympics but now we can focus on others as well. Seu Bock, Hendrawan and I have been with these players for some time and we can bring about the changes if BAM has faith in us."
Courtesy of New Straits Times

Kwong Beng wants to revive his fortunes under Hendrawan

Singles back-up shuttler Chan Kwong Beng is banking on a change of coach to give his career a new lease of life.
The 24-year-old is ready to part ways with national chief coach Rashid Sidek because he strongly believes that he can revive his fortunes under former world champion Hendrawan of Indonesia.
If I still do not excel under Hendrawan, it is a clear sign for me to end my career. - CHAN KWONG BENGIf I still do not excel under Hendrawan, it is a clear sign for me to end my career. - CHAN KWONG BENG
Kwong Beng has been training under Rashid since 2010 when his previous coach, Misbun Sidek, left the national team.
Kwong Beng is hoping that the coaching and training committee, who will meet on Sept 8, will agree to his request. He claims that he has spoken to Rashid and Hendrawan and that both coaches have agreed to the swap.
It is learnt that Mohd Arif Abdul Latif may go the other way – leaving Hendrawan to train under Rashid.
Kwong Beng showed that he is still an asset to the national team when he was selected to accompany world No. 2 Lee Chong Wei as sparring partner for the London Olympic Games last month.
However, Kwong Beng has not achieved any remarkable results over the last two years.
The player, once touted as a star in the making for his explosive movements and good attacking play, is desperate for another chance to come good.
“I need a change. I have not achieved any significant results under Rashid. It has all been a big blur for me ... and my fitness has been a big letdown. I just need a change, one last shot to turn my game around,” said Kwong Beng.
“I have nothing against Rashid but his style does not suit me. I need a coach who is more aggressive. I want to train under Hendrawan. I have seen how he pushes his players in training. I want to improve my fitness level under him. “My style of play needs to be supported with good fitness but I am not as fast as I want to be on court. Something is lacking and I know most of it is my own shortcoming.”
Kwong Beng is also aware of the risk he is taking in asking for a change.
“I am actually taking a big gamble here by making this request. If I still do not excel under Hendrawan, it is a clear sign for me to end my career,” said Kwong Beng.
“Over the last few years, I have spent time sparring with Chong Wei and learning so much from him. Now, it is time for me to do something for myself ... for my badminton career. I need to take such a drastic action. This is my last chance to do something if I want to be a genuine medal contender at the next Olympic Games.”
Courtesy of The Star

Chong Wei tips five singles shuttlers to be top stars

Lee Chong Wei has named five singles shuttlers who have the potential to be top players. They are Chan Kwong Beng, Liew Daren, Chong Wei Feng, Mohd Arif Abdul Latif and Misbun Ramdan.
The world No. 2 singles star, however, conceded that the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) face a tough task in finding his successor.
“Even China have difficulty trying to find a ‘second’ Lin Dan despite having a population of more than one billion while Malaysia only have a population of 28 million,” Chong Wei told a press conference before a meet-the-fans session at KDU College in Penang yesterday.
“Indonesia and Denmark also find it hard to replace Taufik Hidayat and Peter-Gade Chris­tensen.”
Chong Wei was asked to comment on a report in a Malay daily on Sunday which stated that a replacement for him has yet to be found. He said more junior players would be sent to overseas tournaments to acquire experience.
Chong Wei also said he hoped to attend Lin Dan’s wedding in China next month but was not sure if he would be able to make it as he will be competing in the Japan Open in Tokyo from Sept 18-23.
“I’m hoping for an early final so I can fly from Tokyo to Beijing,” he said.


Courtesy of The Star