BAM continues to empower badminton development programme

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 9 (Bernama) -- The Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) will continue to empower grassroots development programme to produce more talented players in the future.

BAM president Datuk Seri Mohamad Norza Zakaria said the Selangor State Level Air Asia-BAM National Junior League Championship which ended today showed that the programme supported by the parent body continued to have a place among schoolchildren.

"This year we see very significant changes at the state level, up by 48 percent. If we see last year, 2,930 players were involved nationwide and this year 4,340 players are involved," he said.

Mohamad Norza said this when met by reporters after presenting prizes to the winners of the championship held at Dewan Datuk Haji Sidek, Selangor Badminton Association, here today.

He noted that team involvement had also increased to 385 from 256 schools this year compared to 372 teams from 242 schools in the first edition last year.

"Although we have a fairly compact schedule, we have successfully run such tournaments and I would like to congratulate the president and the badminton council members at states level that have been able to performed their duties well," he said.

Mohamad Norza said the national level AirAsia-BAM National Youth League Championship which was the peak of the 15 competitions at states level would be held at Juara Stadium, Bukit Kiara from Dec 19-23, with the champions being absorbed into the Malaysian Badminton Academy.

-- BERNAMA