Klba Seeking Green-light From Dbkl To Use New Cheras Badminton Arena

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 4 (Bernama) -- The Kuala Lumpur Badminton Association (KLBA) hopes to given the green-light to use the newly-built DBKL Cheras badminton arena by early next year, said president Datuk Seri Dr Jahaberdeen Mohamed Yunoos.

Speaking after signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Guangdong Badminton Association from China at the Titiwangsa Stadium today, Jahaberdeen said KLBA was still in discussions with the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) to use the facilities at the arena.

The cost of the DBKL badminton arena was fully borne by a private developer to replace the Kuala Lumpur badminton stadium which was demolished in 2017 to make way for the construction of a luxury condominium project.

Jahaberdeen said KLBA, DBKL and the developer had held discussions before development took place in the area, with the developer agreeing to pay a certain amount of money every month to the association as compensation until the new venue is ready.

“The purpose of the compensation (given) was for expenses and find an alternative venue for training and competition. So now that the academy is ready, we don’t get that compensation...the challenge we face is that in four months we will be independent, when we can find our own money.

“I think DBKL is also aware of the problems we are facing and hopefully we will be able to finish the discussion and be given the permission to use (the new venue) within the next two months, so that more development programmes can be carried out,” he said.

According to media reports, the developer handed over the Cheras badminton arena which was built at a cost of RM20 million to DBKL in July.

Meanwhile, Jaharbedeen, who signed a two-year MoU with Guangdong BA president Deng Zaoqiang in conjunction with the KL Masters tournament, said it covers various aspects including the exchange of players for joint training and technical aspects after establishing a partnership with Banthongyord Badminton School of Thailand in July, 2022.

He hoped that through cooperation with Guangdong, which has produced players like men’s Olympic doubles champion Fu Hai Feng and four-time women’s doubles world champion Chen Qing Chen, can improve the quality of badminton, not only in Kuala Lumpur, but also throughout the country.

“While our players are generally good in skills and physical, we often hear they’re lacking slightly in mental (strength). That is something we really hope to learn from China.

“According to our initial plan, the earliest we plan to go there is next February or March. We will also look at our financial capacity to see how many players we can send,” he said.

-- BERNAMA