THE Academy Badminton Malaysia (ABM) in Bukit Kiara will remain exclusive to national players under the Road to Tokyo (RTT) programme until June 30, but that doesn't mean the back-up squad should just wait and do nothing.
The BA of Malaysia (BAM) together with the National Sports Council (NSC) have made arrangements for the back-up players to train under their respective state BAs.
BAM coaching director Wong Choong Hann told Timesport that players will be accepted back at ABM in phases.
"There is no rush. We are merely adhering to the standard operating procedures (SOPs). The first batch of RTT players, sparring partners and support staff are supposed to be quarantined here until June 30.
"Even our new coaches (Chan Chong Ming and Flandy Limpele) are only expected to join us next month together with players who stand a chance to make the Thomas and Uber Cup squads.
"As for the rest, the arrangement is for them to start training under their respective state BAs," said Choong Hann.
Meanwhile, Choong Hann added that the 15 players (excluding mixed doubles player Shevon Lai) who have been training so far at ABM are coping well.
"It's been two weeks now, and we're all pleased to have tested negative for the coronavirus after the second swab test. We are waiting for the third tomorrow (today).
"I can see that the players are adapting to the conditions, and the good news is no one has picked up any injury.
"No one is in any rush as far as tournaments are concerned this year. We got to accept that Covid-19 has pretty much summed up 2020," Choong Hann added.