BAM boss Zafrul respects Misbun's views but calls for faith in Asiad shuttlers

PETALING JAYA: Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) president Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz has urged Malaysians to get behind the national shuttlers rather than write off their chances at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games starting on Saturday (Sept 18).

His comments came in response to former national men’s singles head coach Datuk Misbun Sidek, who felt it would be difficult for Malaysia to end their long wait for a badminton gold medal through the men's singles at the Games.

Zafrul said he respected Misbun’s views and contributions to Malaysian badminton, but believes the focus now should be on supporting the players.

"I respect coach Misbun and everything he has contributed to Malaysian badminton. But this is the time to back our players, not write them off before the competition even begins.

"Let them focus and give their best for Malaysia," said Zafrul.