BAM Looks to RM30 Million Matching Grant to Build Up Back-Up Players

The Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) plans to explore how the RM30 million Sports Matching Grant announced in Budget 2027 can be used, together with state associations and corporate partners, to organise more tournaments and give reserve players more match exposure. BAM president Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz said more quality events at home would let local players test themselves against stronger opponents before moving to the international stage.

He said the aim is to reduce reliance on a handful of star players, so that when a champion retires there are already capable replacements, which needs steady talent development, good coaching and sports science support. He welcomed higher school-level sports funding but stressed that a clear development pathway is needed so identified talent is not lost. Preparations for the national squad for the 2027 SEA Games, he added, remain a priority.

In Budget 2027, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced RM240 million for preparations to host the 2027 SEA Games and ASEAN Para Games, RM460 million for national sports development, and the RM30 million matching grant to encourage associations and clubs to stage high-performance events.

Source: Bernama