KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 12 — The Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) is considering a special incentive for national players if they end Malaysia’s 20-year wait for an Asian Games badminton gold at the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Games.

The last time Malaysia’s badminton contingent reached the top of the podium at the quadrennial Games was in 2006, when legendary men’s doubles pair Koo Kien Keat-Tan Boon Heong won gold in Doha, Qatar.

BAM president Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz acknowledged that two decades without an Asian Games badminton title was a long wait for Malaysian sports fans.

“20 years? That was the last time, 20 years ago. I didn’t realise it had been 20 years. That’s a long time,” he told reporters after chairing the BAM Council meeting here today.

On an additional reward from BAM besides the government’s Sports Victory Prize Scheme (Shakam), he said the proposal would be considered based on the association’s financial capacity and support from its sponsors.

“Of course, the government will provide (an incentive). The question is whether BAM will do so. So, we will look at our financial capacity at the time, but there has been no discussion yet. But I think it’s a good idea for us to look at it.

“We will also talk to BAM’s sponsors, as they usually provide incentives as well. Maybe we can talk to them and then BAM can also look at what we can afford, especially for gold. Yes, I think it’s actually a good idea. There’s still time,” he said.

Tengku Zafrul said he would meet the players before they depart for the Asian Games on Monday, and hoped they would remain focused and give their best for the country.

On the appointment of a mixed doubles coach, he said no final decision had been made, although he indicated that the position could be filled by a local candidate.

Meanwhile, preparations for the Malaysia SEA Games also came under discussion, with BAM secretary-general Datuk Kenny Goh saying the association would continue monitoring the players before selecting the strongest team for the Games.

“We will select the best players available at the time. The National Sports Council (NSC) has also set a target for us to become overall champions,” he said. — Bernama