Mohd Zakry Abdul Latif and Mohd Fairuzizuan Mohd Tazari leave the national squad – Badminton news
Malaysia’s Men’s Doubles shuttlers, Mohd Zakry Abdul Latif and Mohd Fairuzizuan Mohd Tazari have left the national squad of Malaysia and are no more under the supervision of the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM). Now, these doubles shuttlers will participate
in all international tournaments as independent players.
This news was disclosed in the meeting of BAM yesterday, as both players have decided to participate in events as independent shuttlers. However, the absence of Mohd Zakry and Mohd Fairuzizuan will be a great loss to BAM as it is a crucial time with the
2012 London Olympics just eleven months away.
While talking about the decision of both shuttlers, Mohd Nadzmi Mohd Salleh, the president of BAM, said, “Zakry and Fairuziziun sent their resignation letters to BAM on Aug 17 stating their intention to become independent players.” We took into account their
contributions to the country all this while, including the Thomas Cup, World Championships and SEA Games.”
The BAM president further added about the decision of the governing body by saying that they accepted the player's resignations. Before their resignation, the World Number 24, Mohd Zakry was playing with Hoon Thien How, and the World Number 18, Mohd Fairuzizuan
was partnering with Ong Soon Hock. Both shuttlers have an excellent track record for serving the country for many years.
Ng Chin Chai, the secretary of BAM said, “BAM can decide on whom are the more suitable players to carry the challenge for the country at the world championships but at the Olympics, the rules are clear – who makes the cut, they will go regardless of whether
they are in the national team or not.”
The decision of both players have disturbed the Olympic preparations in the category of Men’s Doubles and it is expected that only Koo Kien Keat and Tan Boon Heong from Malaysia will participate at the 2012 London Olympics. However, BAM has decided that
the independent shuttlers will participate in the Olympic Games next year, if they qualify on merit for the mega event.
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