Tuesday May 14, 2013

Out to groom world-class shuttlers

By STUART MICHAEL
metrospt@thestar.com.my

Learn from a champion: Han Jian showing students how to return a shot during a training session.

A total of RM11,000 is up for grabs in the sixth SP Setia Age-Group Badminton Tournament to be held in the Setia Badminton Academy in Setia Alam, Shah Alam from May 31 to June 2.

According to Setia Badminton Academy (SBA) chief executive officer Capt (R) Datuk Liew Siong Sing, the tournament is aimed at giving young shuttlers a chance to pit their skills against one another.

“There are a few age-group tournaments being organised and young shuttlers only have a chance to play in school-level tournaments that are held annually by the respective districts, states and the Malaysian Schools Sport Council.

“We hope to attract about 400 youngsters to take part in this tournament. From this, we want to pick young potential students to be groomed under us. Eventually, we are looking to groom them into world-class badminton players who will be able to uplift Malaysia’s standing in the international sporting world,” he said.

Liew pointed out that two current national junior trainees — Soong Joo Ven and Yang Li Lian — are products of SBA.

He said those living in Klang, Meru, Shah Alam and Kapar should send their children to SBA for training.

“With renowned former world champion Han Jian as the head coach, children will learn to play badminton the right way,” he said.

The tournament is open to children below 14 years old except those from the Bukit Jalil Sports School.

The boys’ category is divided into five age groups — Under 10, 11, 12, 13 and 14 while the girls’ category is split into two age groups — Under 11 and 13.

The entry fee for each category is RM20. Entries close tomorrow.

Besides this, SBA will also be organising a five-day Badminton Holiday Camp from June 4 to 8 at its premises.

Han Jian said the training camp was aimed at upgrading the levels of badminton skills and physical strength, instil team spirit and personal development.

“To become world-class badminton players, students need to learn the basics from as young as eight years old. And we have the knowledge to teach them the right methods so that when they reach the international stage, they can perform better.

“Malaysians can perform well in international tournaments when they are teenagers. However, when they mature and need to perform at world badminton meets, many are unable to perform as they were not taught the correct basics at an early age.

“This is the mistake many young potential badminton players face. By training with us, we could rectify these mistakes at an early age so they could become better players in the future,” said Han Jian.

The camp fee, inclusive of accommodation, food and training, is RM600 for Malaysians and RM1,000 for foreigners.

To take part in the tournament, call Fieda at 03-334 41466 or download the registration form at www.setiabadminton.com.my, fill it up and email to fieda@spsetia.com.my

Source:

News

Tuesday May 14, 2013

Out to groom world-class shuttlers

By STUART MICHAEL metrospt@thestar.com.my

Source:

By STUART MICHAEL
metrospt@thestar.com.my