BAM president Nadzmi defends his record

Datuk Seri Nadzmi Salleh

DATUK Seri Nadzmi Salleh  is willing to accept criticism for Malaysia's failure in the Thomas Cup  but strongly refutes Tan Sri Elyas Omar's claims that he has been sleeping on his job as the president of the BA of Malaysia (BAM).

Elyas, BAM president in 1985-1992, blasted Nadzmi on Tuesday for not utilising the funds received by the association to build a strong players' base which had led to another failure in the Thomas Cup.

"It is not right to say that we have been sleeping on our job just because we failed in the Thomas Cup," said Nadzmi yesterday.

"These factors should also be seen as a yardstick to gauge my leadership since 2000. We have created three World No 1 players in Lee Chong Wei, Koo Kien Keat-Tan Boon Heong and Wong Pei Tty-Chin Eei Hui.

"We are very disappointed with the failure in the Thomas Cup despite our efforts, but we have to look forward. We had the best training facilities and gave the players enough exposure in tournaments but if the players don't have the drive to become successful like Chong Wei, what can the association do?

"The Thomas Cup is important but we also have the London Olympics to focus on. We are mindful that we have won the Thomas Cup on five occasions but we have never won an Olympic gold and have focused on that major goal."

Elyas also questioned the lack of focus on development and felt that academies are the best way to nurture talent.

He said a complete overhaul in the management structure, training programme and development was needed to revive the nation's fortunes in badminton.

Nadzmi said BAM has always welcomed suggestions from all quarters are welcome as the association is focused on continuous improvement.

"We have about 70 players at the Bukit Jalil Sports School (BJSS) and with the national back-up and elite teams, about 150 players receive full-time training and all the attention needed to become quality players. In 2011, the players were sent for 43 international tournaments with each player competing in a minimum eight tournaments," said Nadzmi.

"We have also created the 2016 programme geared towards winning gold in the Olympics in Rio (de Janeiro) where players like Misbun Ramdan Misbun and doubles Teo Ee Yi-Nelson Heg are already showing potential.

"The programme should see an impact in 2014 where the players should start producing qualify results if they want to be successful in 2016. We should also have a strong Thomas Cup squad then."

Courtesy of New Straits Times