Dropped BAM shuttler Jeng Hon finds new avenue to stay in sport

PETALING JAYA: Former men’s singles shuttler Chia Jeng Hon has found a new way to stay involved in the sport after being dropped by the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM).

He has returned ‘’home’’ as a sparring partner at Academy Badminton Association.

The 21-year-old Jeng Hon was one of the players axed from the national set-up following a performance review conducted by national director of coaching Rexy Mainaky and national singles coach Hendrawan last month.

Although the decision was a difficult one to accept, Jeng Hon has found solace in the opportunity to become a full-time sparring partner for the men and women’s singles department.

“My results were not good last year so I had anticipated it (being dropped). It was hard to accept it at first but I’ve come to terms with it,” said Jeng Hon.

“I haven’t signed a contract with BAM yet, but I’m still here to spar and practise with the singles players.”

With only one title to show after winning the National Under-21 championships and early exits in seven of 11 tournaments last year, Jeng Hon’s exclusion from the BAM marked the end of his professional playing career.

Instead of pursuing the professional player’s path, he feels becoming a coach will be a better option.

“I’m open to playing in smaller tournaments but my focus is more towards coaching,” he said.

“I want to become a coach that people admire in the future but for now, I’m just in the learning phase.”