File photo of Kem Badminton Astro 2013.
Kuala Lumpur: Do you have a child who dreams of being the next badminton champion? The opportunity to see if they have what it takes is now here.
Kem Badminton Astro is open for registration for children aged 10 to 12 years old who have a strong passion for the sport.
Tryout sessions will be held in six states – Penang, Johor, Terengganu, Sabah, Sarawak and Kuala Lumpur from May 17 to Aug 23.
Kem Badminton Astro is a collaboration between Astro, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Youth & Sports, Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) and Li Yongbo Badminton School to provide structured training and development activities that cultivate individual potential in the sport from beginner to world class level and create a greater interest and stronger participation amongst the younger generation.
David Yap, Astro Director of Community Affairs said “It’s encouraging to see the extremely good response we get from such programmes.
“We found the programme has been fruitful in maximizing the shuttlers’ potential, increasing their mastery of badminton skills and agility, and building upon their physical and mental strength. This year is unique as through Kem Badminton Astro youth development programme, young players will have access to the best the world has to offer through a once in a lifetime opportunity to train and compete at the prestigious Li Yongbo Badminton School”.
This year, Kem Badminton Astro youth development programme is conducted by a team of professional coaches headed by former World No.1 badminton player Wong Choong Hann who will be assisted by three other former national players Lee Wan Wah, Chan Chong Ming and Chew Choon Eng.
Sixty potential participants will be selected from the tryout sessions to undergo a one week intensive training to enhance their skills, fitness and strategy.
Upon completion of the Intensive Training in KL, 30 outstanding participants will have the chance to experience a two-week Intensive Advanced Training in the prestigious house of champions, Li Yongbo Badminton School in Dongguan, China later in the year.
The academy is named by Li Yongbo, head coach of the Chinese national badminton team and lead by Tang Xianhu, the renowned badminton coach behind great Chinese players such as Lin Dan as principal of the school, serves as a national team training base with one of the best training programme in the world.
Tang Xianhu, Principal for Li Yongbo Badminton School said, “I am glad to see that corporations such as Astro recognise the need to nurture the next generation of world badminton champions from young.
“I look forward to the collaboration between Kem Badminton Astro and Li Yongbo Badminton School to train young badminton talents from Malaysia.
“China and Malaysia have produced some of the best badminton talents in the world for decades.
“I believe the interaction and training between young talents from these two countries will bring the quality of future badminton champions to greater heights”.
Those interested in the programme are encouraged to register online at www.astrokasih.org/kembadminton.
Please be informed that walk in registration will not be accepted.
Be part of the Kem Badminton Astro youth development programme and become the country’s next generation of professional badminton players.
For more information on Kem Badminton Astro, please visit www.facebook.com/astrokasihmalaysia.