A big heart: Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) president Tan Sri Norza Zakaria (right) and National Heart Institute (IJN) Chief Executive Officer Datuk Dr Aizai Azan Abdul Rahim (left) posing after signing the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between BAM and IJN at Axiata Arena, today. - Bernama
KUALA LUMPUR: In a groundbreaking move, the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Heart Institute (IJN).
In an effort to detect heart issues early in young shuttlers, BAM and IJN have agreed on this three-year collaboration.
This is the first time that IJN are forming a partnership with a National Sports Association (NSA) and will become BAM’s first official medical partner.
The total value of the sponsorship is RM149,000 per year.
This includes screening packages for 10 national players (RM21,000) and 60 national junior players (RM18,900), along with RM60,000 in cash.
The medical partnership for the Malaysian Open, Malaysian Masters and Super 100 competitions and will also include two ambulances on standby at each tournament with IJN branding to be prominently displayed on tournament collaterals that include backdrop and souvenir programme book.
"I've always stressed the importance of providing the best to our players, and this includes their medical well-being," said BAM president Tan Sri Norza Zakaria during the MoU signing ceremony at the Axiata Arena in Bukit Jalil yesterday.
"There are no compromises when it comes to our players' health. We are always on the lookout for the best services for our players, and today, I am pleased to announce that BAM have agreed to a three-year partnership with IJN, one of the region's leading cardiovascular and thoracic health centres.
"For players to produce results on the world stage, their medical conditions must be good.
"With this partnership, BAM players will be covered and undergo annual medical check-ups at IJN.
This is crucial as we must constantly monitor the health of all our players," added Norza.
IJN chief executive officer Datuk Dr Aizai Azan Abdul Rahim was also present at the MoU signing.
