Li Yongbo (right)
SEVERAL singles shuttlers stand a chance to join training sessions at the Li Yongbo Badminton Academy in China – thanks to a sponsorship deal between the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) and electronics consumer brand, FreeYond.
Tan Sri Norza Zakaria, who is the Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM) and BAM president, signed a one-year contract with FreeYond at the Axiata Arena in Bukit Jalil yesterday.
It is a RM2mil contract with a one-year extension option, and cash sponsorship accounts for two-thirds of the sponsorship.
Aside from providing financial assistance and resources, the director of FreeYond, Datuk Eddie Chai Woon Chet has offered to act as the middleman in sending badminton players to the academy in China.
“One of the most important reasons why we accepted the offer was Datuk Eddie has a very good relationship with Li Yongbo (pic) and the former has spoken to the latter about sending some of our players to the academy,” said Norza.
“This is one of the game changers when FreeYond came to see us and offered us the collaboration, so we’re currently in the process of identifying which players to send.”
Norza said priorities will be given to the singles department, which requires drastic improvement.
“For the time being, we will focus on singles players and as I’ve said before, I’m quite concerned with the development of singles players,” said Norza.
“If we look at the gap analysis, we will know which department needs immediate changes.
“It’s not that the other departments are not important, but the collaboration will be carried out in different phases and we will let Datuk Eddie discuss with them.“We also have the Olympics qualification going on, so we will engage with players who have the potential of being selected and we will look into back-up players as well.”
FreeYond is the second major sponsorship this year after Affin Bank.
Norza hopes that the players will appreciate and reciprocate their efforts.
“As administrators, we tried our very best to provide a good environment for training, and necessary assistance and financial help to send them to enough tournaments,” said Norza.
“We do hope that with all these assistance and money coming in, it will be reciprocated by the players.
“We have created an environment for them to maximise their full potential, so I think that they’re in a position to deliver, even if not to BAM, do it for the country and citizens.”
Meanwhile, FreeYond’s exclusive distributor Fast Energy Holdings Bhd executive director Vincent Tan Wye Chuan believes that their brand’s spirit aligns well with the values of the BAM, which embodies the pursuit of excellence, teamwork and innovation.
“Malaysia is a powerhouse in the world of badminton, with players under the umbrella of the BAM having achieved many victories and gaining fame as well as glory for the country,” said Vincent.
“FreeYond want to play its part in supporting BAM and its players as they strive for more podium victories and inspire the youth of the country.”
