BAM President Zafrul Urges Pearly Tan and M. Thinaah to Remain

KUALA LUMPUR: Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz, the President of the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM), has publicly urged world-renowned women’s doubles players Pearly Tan and M. Thinaah to continue their association with the national body amidst speculation regarding their potential departure to pursue independent careers. This appeal was made during a visit to the Badminton Academy of Malaysia in Bukit Kiara on June 13, 2025.

The duo, currently ranked third in the world, have not yet signed a contract extension with BAM, raising concerns within the organization about their future. Zafrul expressed his desire for the players to remain with BAM, stating, “I’ve instructed the management to do everything possible to secure their commitment as soon as possible. It is crucial for both the players and management to have this certainty, as distractions can hinder our performance.”

The call for retention comes after Pearly and Thinaah's impressive performance at the Indonesian Open, where they reached the finals but ultimately finished as runners-up against China’s Liu Shengshu and Tan Ning. Their recent success has only intensified interest from various independent management entities, which could complicate their situation with BAM.

This is not the first time BAM has faced challenges in retaining its top players. Historically, several Malaysian badminton stars have opted to pursue independent paths, citing greater autonomy and financial incentives as key motivators. For instance, players like Lee Chong Wei and Goh Liu Ying have previously taken similar routes, prompting discussions within BAM about the need to adapt to changing trends in athlete management.

Experts in sports management have noted that the increasing trend of athletes choosing independent paths could signal a shift in how national federations engage with elite players. Dr. Rachel Tan, a lecturer in Sports Management at Universiti Malaya, commented, “National associations must evolve and create supportive environments that offer competitive benefits. Otherwise, they risk losing talented athletes to independent ventures.”

The potential loss of Pearly and Thinaah would not only impact BAM's prestige but could also have broader implications for the development of badminton in Malaysia. The duo represents a new generation of athletes who have the potential to elevate the sport's profile domestically and internationally.

In light of this situation, BAM’s management will need to reassess its strategies to ensure they align with the aspirations of their athletes while maintaining the integrity and success of the national team. As negotiations continue, all eyes will be on the outcome and its impact on Malaysia's badminton landscape moving forward.