KUALA LUMPUR, March 29 (Bernama) -- Former national women's doubles shuttler Lee Meng Yean has taken a step towards boosting grassroots development through the setting up of an academy focusing on honing the basic skills of young talents.
Meng Yean, who featured at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics with her doubles partner Chow Mei Kuan, said the academy aims to develop and nurture the players’ skills from a young age.
"I currently manage this academy with the aim of grooming and developing teenage shuttlers right from the basic level. This is to ensure they have the basics right before they get to the state level.
"This programme not only helps in the development of these young shuttlers, but also contributes to the country's overall badminton development,” she said at the Future Champs Badminton Academy Media Open Day at the Kepong Sports A Plus 4 Badminton Centre here today.
The academy, which has been operating for the past four months, currently has about 50 trainees.
Meanwhile, Meng Yean admitted that her experience as a national shuttler, in addition to her Olympic participation, was the main driving force behind her intention to give back to the sport, especially in producing a new generation of back-up shuttlers.
"I played for the national team and featured in the Olympics, but failed to bag any medals. So, I hope to help these young players achieve their targets. That is my dream,” she said.
Asked about the national women's team's chances in the Uber Cup Finals, Meng Yean feels that since the squad comprises many young shuttlers, it's not fair to heap too much pressure on them.
She believes that their participation in the 2026 Uber Cup Finals in Horsens, Denmark, from April 24 to May 3, will provide them with valuable exposure and experience.
The national women's team, drawn in Group B with six-time champions Japan, Turkiye and South Africa, will be seeking to advance to the knockout stages for the first time since the 2010 edition.
-- BERNAMA
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