Kuala lumpur: The Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) is contemplating a special incentive for national players to end Malaysia's 20-year wait for an Asian Games badminton gold at the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Games. The last triumph was in 2006 when the men's doubles pair Koo Kien Keat-Tan Boon Heong clinched gold in Doha, Qatar.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, BAM president Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz acknowledged the lengthy gap since the last title and expressed surprise at the two-decade wait. He discussed the potential for an additional reward from BAM, besides the government's Sports Victory Prize Scheme (SHAKAM), considering the association's financial capacity and sponsor support.

Tengku Zafrul mentioned a possible collaboration with BAM's sponsors to provide incentives. He planned to meet the players before they depart for the Asian Games, urging them to focus on their performance. The appointment of a mixed doubles coach remains undecided, though a local candidate might be selected.

Preparations for the Malaysia SEA Games were also discussed. BAM secretary-general Datuk Kenny Goh stated that player monitoring would continue to ensure the strongest team is selected, with the National Sports Council setting a target for overall championship.

Kenny confirmed that the badminton draw for the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games circulating is fake and that the official draw is scheduled for September 19. BAM has announced plans to double the prize money for national-level tournaments next year, increasing the annual allocation from RM200,000 to RM400,000 to strengthen grassroots development.