PETALING JAYA: The Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) accept that their players lack the mental strength at crucial stages of major competitions.

And they have vowed to work on improving this shortcoming.

At the Thomas Cup Finals in Japan last month, the Malaysian singles shuttlers – Lee Chong Wei, Mohd Hafiz Hashim and Kuan Beng Hong – failed to win points in the semi-finals tie against Denmark.

On paper, all looked good for Malaysia to give their opponents a run for their money but barring Chong Wei, the other two players were just unable to bring out their best when it mattered most.

With just two points won through the doubles players – Chan Chong Ming-Koo Kien Keat and Choong Tan Fook-Lee Wan Wah, Malaysia lost the tie 2-3.

BAM president Datuk Nadzmi Mohd Salleh said that they would study why this lack of mental strength is the bane of the national players.

“It could be the culture. In Malaysia, we do not have to fight for survival. But there could be other reasons too and we plan to look into it scientifically and find ways to strengthen their mental preparation,” said Nadzmi.

“We must know how we can help our players conquer their fears. Maybe the players need to learn to psyche up themselves in great length prior to major tournaments,” said Nadzmi after the coaching and training committee meeting at Stadium Juara in Bukit Kiara here yesterday.

The players face two major tournaments this year – the World Championships in Madrid from Sept 18-24 and the Asian Games in Doha from Dec 1-15.

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