‘Dear SBA – Let’s talk as soon as possible’

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KUCHING: Coaches and parents of affected U12 and U15 players have welcomed the call by Sarawak Badminton Association (SBA) for a dialogue. But frustrations over how the association has conducted itself remain unabated.

In the past few days, The Borneo Post have continued to receive calls and messages from disgruntled coaches and parents.

Last week, The Borneo Post had carried two stories which revealed the shock and anger over the SBA’s decision not to enter state players in the two youngest age-groups for the 100PLUS national inter-state championship. The five-day tournament in Alor Setar, Kedah ends today. Sarawak is the only state among the 13 state affiliates of the Badminton Association of Malaysia which is not competing. It is also the first time that SBA has not registered to take part in the tournament.

Coaches and parents of affected players, who communicated with The Borneo Post, are also dismayed that SBA made no effort to inform them of its decision. In fact, the players had intensified training in recent weeks until news broke about Sarawak’s non-participation after anxious parties checked the tournament website.

Last Thursday, SBA broke its silence when its secretary Abdul Hadi Abdul Kadir called for a dialogue.

Online comments to these reports have condemned SBA for alleged shortcomings ranging from letting down young promising talents, its obsession with organising major international tournaments in Kuching and financial discipline. Abdul Hadi himself has since admitted that SBA faces pressing financial constraints.

One source disclosed that a Miri team of coaches and parents is keen to attend the proposed dialogue. Two Kuching-based coaches, saying they have “to answer to the parents of the players”, urged SBA to organise the dialogue as soon as possible this month. One of their players is reportedly quitting the sport in disappointment.