THE Penang Badminton Association (PBA) has adopted three independent shuttlers, namely Ong Zhen Yi, Jan Jireh Lee Zhi Ming, and Sng Wei Ming, to support their training and participation in competitions, with each receiving a monthly allowance of RM3,000.
PBA president Datuk Kah Kau Kiak said the association had initially planned to adopt four players. However, one opted to join the national team, while the remaining three chose to pursue their careers as independent players.
“As a result, the association adjusted its plan to focus its resources on supporting the three athletes,” he said.
Kah added that should the trio deliver strong performances in international tournaments next year, the association would assist them in securing additional sponsorships to further enhance their development and competitive prospects.
He emphasised that the initiative is a first-of-its-kind effort by a state badminton association in Malaysia, aimed at providing stable support for talented athletes outside the national setup while exploring more diverse development pathways.
He expressed hope that this innovative approach would inspire other state badminton associations to follow suit, contributing to a more comprehensive and dynamic growth nationwide.
Kah recently presented the allowance to Zhen Yi, symbolising the start of this new collaboration, in the presence of Penang BA deputy secretary Eddie Yeoh, coach Razlan Abdullah, and former treasurer Loh Eng Swee.
Pix courtesy of Penang Badminton Association