BAM parts ways with 13 national players

The national body honours departing athletes as it unveils a new 34-member national senior team for 2025

BAM has announced the departure of 13 players and unveiled a new 34-member senior team for 2025, aiming to enhance competitiveness in badminton. — Scoop file pic, October 2, 2024

KUALA LUMPUR — The Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) has made significant changes to its national squad, bidding farewell to 13 players while unveiling a new 34-member senior team for 2025. 

This announcement marks a pivotal moment as BAM aims to strengthen its competitive edge in the sport.

“As BAM moves forward with this dynamic team, the association also expresses its deepest appreciation to several players who will be transitioning out of the national squad.

“(We) thank these athletes for their service and wish them continued success in their future endeavours,” said BAM in a statement today.

The players transitioning out of the national squad are women’s doubles shuttlers Anna Cheong and Low Yeen Yuan, Siti Nurshuhaini Azman and Ung Yi Xing (women’s singles), Chua Kim Sheng, Ong Zhen Yi, Jacky Kok, and Jan Jireh Lee (men’s singles), Rayner Beh Chun Meng and Choi Jian Sheng (men’s doubles), as well as Jeremy Juan, V Poopathi, and Lai Ting Cen (mixed doubles).

BAM added that the selection process for the new team involved extensive discussions between the management and the coaching staff, led by coaching director Rexy Mainaky. 

The focus is on creating a strong and competitive squad for the upcoming year, as BAM looks to enhance its performance in international competitions.

In the women’s doubles, aside from Pearly Tan and M Thinaah, the final lineup will be determined after an evaluation by the new head coach of the department. — October 2, 2024