KUALA LUMPUR: In a shocking revelation, a national badminton coach alleged that several top shuttlers have been involved in betting activities during training.
Not only does it happen almost daily at the Academy Badminton Malaysia (ABM) in Bukit Kiara, but he is upset that such an unhealthy activity is said to be encouraged by the coaches.
In an email to a BA of Malaysia (BAM) official, the national coach questioned the national body's stand on gambling and match-fixing.
The coach also took the Coaching and Training (C&T) committee to task for having failed to deal with the coaches involved.
The official, who wished to remain anonymous, in an exclusive with NSTP Sport, said: "This is something that has been going on for a long time, but certain people in the C&T have got their own agenda, so the issue has never been addressed.
"Personally, I know of national players, who were visiting the casinos even during the 2012 London Olympics, but nothing was done.
“Why? Because these players are their friends and they want to protect them."
Despite being reminded over and over again of the severe punishment that awaits those caught betting, gambling or match-fixing, players are still under the radar, neither worried nor bothered.
In fact in previous reports, it was pointed out that those caught involved, would be dismissed immediately.
BAM, through their Rules and Disciplinary committee, have also set up a whistle blowing system to combat the disgraceful act.
This latest scandal is indeed another huge blow to Malaysian badminton, after two independent players - Zulfadli Zulkiffli and Tan Chun Seang - were handed 20- and 15-year bans, apart from fines by the Badminton World Federation for match-fixing earlier this year.
Last year, a Bukit Jalil Sports School student was also slapped with a three-month suspension after he admitted to his coach that he was in a difficult financial situation due to online gambling.