KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 11 -- The Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) is prepared to use the services of professional players to strengthen Malaysia’s challenge in the 2020 Thomas Cup in Denmark in May.
BAM president Datuk Seri Mohamad Norza Zakaria said the national body would not discriminate against independent players when it comes to representing the country in major competitions.
He said the best should represent the country and it is good to harness the strength of both independent and BAM players.
“If you go to the stadium, people are saying independent and BAM players are fighting for the glory of Malaysia and I like to see more of that. Then our scene will become vibrant with the young and old fighting for the country,” he told reporters here today.
Malaysia, ranked seventh in the world, are among several countries who are well placed to qualify for the Thomas Cup finals.
The 2020 Thomas Cup finals will feature 16 teams, with hosts Denmark and defending champions China having automatically qualified.
The Asian zone qualifying round will be held at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum in the Philippines from Feb 11-16, and the semi-finalists will qualify to play in Denmark.
Mohamad Norza dismissed speculation that BAM would field a team comprising only BAM players in the Thomas Cup.
“When the time comes, we will always think about what is the best for the country. But I will leave it to the technical director to decide,” he added.
-- BERNAMA
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