BAM Must Continue Development Programme Even Without Frost

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 19 (Bernama) -- Youth and Sports Minister Khairy Jamaluddin is confident the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) has its best plans and programmes in the effort to strangthen the national badminton squad and boost the qualities of coaching despite the absence of Morten Frost who had resigned as BAM Technical Director, Monday. He said the former Danish player had played an important role since rejoining the national badminton camp in 2015, but his departure should not adversely affect the effort of BAM to turn out new talents in badminton specifically the singles events. “I have reminded BAM president Mohamad Norza (Zakaria), that despite the absence of Frost’s service as technical director, there must be an effort to develop the coaching quality. Do not because there is no Frost there is no coaching plans, and also the development of new talents. “Although, Frost had played an important role, I believe and am confident BAM has its own plans to ensure his absence will not be felt and there is a plan to strengthen our badminton squad,” he told reporters when checking on several sports events at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC) here Tuesday. BAM caused a shock when it announced the resignation of its technical director after Mohamad Norza chaired the Coaching and Training Committee (C & T) meeting at the Malaysian Badminton Academy in Bukit Kiara, Monday. He said the 59-yer-old coach tendered his letter of resignation on Monday (Sept 11) citing personal problem. Subsequently, the C & T Committee meeting also agreed that all chief coaches would continue to report to the committee, under a new structure. Currently, the five chief coaches were Misbun Sidek (men’s singles), Cheah Soon Kit (men’s doubles), Tey Seu Bock (women’s singles), Wong Pei Tty (women’s doubles) and Chin Eei Hui (mixed doubles). After creating success in 2016, Frost experienced several disappointing results including at the World Championship in Glasgow, 29th Kuala Lumpur SEA Games and Sudirman Cup in Gold Coast, Australia in early May. -- BERNAMA