Source: REUTERS/Jennifer Lorenzini
[Saba Sports News] This month has been quite confusing for the Badminton Association of Malaysia, as following the announcement earlier this month that the men’s doubles team would leave the association to become free agents, women’s doubles players are also set to leave the national team by the end of this month. Their departure undoubtedly deals a heavy blow to the Malaysian badminton team. Recently, Malaysian badminton coach Lee Zii Jia discussed this matter in a media interview, stating that it was due to personal reasons and not a conflict with the association. He also mentioned that their departure might be because they have received better opportunities elsewhere. It is believed that the exit of women’s doubles players from the national team will have multiple impacts on the Malaysian badminton national team. Firstly, from a competitive strength perspective, the women’s doubles team has lost potential players, weakening their overall strength. Secondly, from a talent reserve perspective, the departure of women’s doubles players further exacerbates the player gap crisis within the Malaysian badminton national team.