Ewe Hock thinks independent shuttlers should be given equal chance – Badminton News
Former prime shuttler of Malaysia, Ewe Hock raised his voice for the independent shuttlers and said that these players should be given opportunity to raise country’s flag at the international level.
Malaysia has a strong badminton culture and countless number of people play this game professionally. From a badminton-mad nation, just few get lucky to represent the country at international level while a huge number of shuttlers join different clubs across
the country.
Former national Number one, Ewe Hock believes these independent shuttlers should get international exposure like top national players as it creates a healthy atmosphere of competition which ultimately will be beneficial for Malaysia.
He said, “There are more clubs mushrooming in Malaysia. Their players should be given an equal chance to represent the country. There should be healthy rivalry as eventually the nation will benefit.”
After getting sponsors, the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) has now become a financially stable organisation and Ewe Hock believes that BAM can now afford to arrange some international tours for junior players as well.
He was happy with economic condition of the association and hoped BAM will follow trickle down policy by showering benefits upon the less privileged shuttlers.
Ewe Hock said, “Many major companies are supporting the national body and this is good. Now, they can send more juniors for international tournaments. I used to receive RM 1,300 as a senior player and now, a back-up player gets that.”
The badminton maestro added that the selection process should be more open and all the national players must be subjected to a trial before the 2012 London Olympics and the best of the best should be given the go-ahead call.
Ewe Hock said, “The best players should represent the country. In the United States, a special trial for the Olympic Games is conducted and it is open to everyone. Only the best get to go.”
However, BAM is not completely unaware of the potential of these players as it has invited few independent shuttlers like Zulfadli Zulkifli and Arif Abdul Latif in central training camp in the recent past.
BAM is also working on a four-year programme to nourish its young talent and formed a special squad for 2016 events.
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