PROPOSED BADMINTON ACADEMY TO HAVE STATE-OF-THE-ART FACILITIES

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 12 (Bernama) -- The setting up of a national badminton
academy that was announced by Deputy Prime Minister Najib Razak Tuesday, would
have full-fledged facilities says Badminton Association of Malaysia
(BAM) President Nadzmi Salleh.

Nadzmi said the academy would be equipped with state-of-the-art facilities
and training equipment for shuttlers.

"The academy will not only be a place for training but also double up as a
research and development centre (R&D)," he told reporters here Tuesday.

Nadzmi said from the 30 courts proposed, two would be earmarked and
equipped
with devices, including cameras to help players and coaches to analyse their
game and identify their flaws and weaknesses.

"Prior to the setting up, we will discuss and get feedback from all parties
involved to determine the types of facilities that need to be put up or made
available," he said.

Najib who officially opened a two-day National Sports Convention at the
Putra World Trade Centre (PWTC) here Tuesday announced that the government would
set up the academy at a cost of RM24 million (US$6.68 million).

"Since the 2012 London Olympics will take place in less than four years,
work on the academy will start as soon as possible," said Nadzmi who added that
a committee might be formed to ensure a smooth process in the setting up of the
academy.

"In the long run, the academy can start generating income of its own and
become self-sufficient instead of depending on BAM. The facilities can also be
used by foreign shuttlers," he said.

Badminton is seen as the most likely sport that can end the country's wait
for a first ever gold medal in the Olympics, especially after having contributed
two silver and two bronze medals in the 1994 (Barcelona), 1996 (Atlanta) and
2008 Beijing Olympics.

World number one Lee Chong Wei added the latest silver medal from the men's
singles event during the Beijing Olympics in August while Cheah Soon Kit-Yap Kim
Hock won the other silver in Atlanta from the men's doubles while Rashid Sidek
(men's singles, 1996) and Razif-Jailani Sidek (men's doubles, 1994) are
contributors of the bronze medals.
-- BERNAMA


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