THE BA of Malaysia (BAM) are doing the best they can to prepare their Olympic-bound shuttlers for the Tokyo Games.
With uncertainties surrounding the Games this year due to Covid-19, the ongoing centralised training programme at the Academy Badminton Malaysia (ABM) in Bukit Kiara is tailored to ensure the athletes are not only in good shape for competition but also for the possible pandemic-related challenges in Japan.
BAM coaching director Wong Choong Hann, who is also team manager for the Olympic badminton squad, said training is more fluid and flexible ahead of the Tokyo assignment.
"With less than a month to go, we don't want to force a rigid training programme on our players.
"We are progressively developing from day to day but be rest assured that we are doing the best for the players to be in their best shape for the Games.
"Naturally, everyone who has qualified would want to give their best, but we need to make sure they have the right balance of everything.
"Apart from training and gym sessions, the players have also access to video analysis, psychological assistance and other team-related discussions.
"I leave that to the respective departments. Not everything is conducted at the same time," said Choong Hann yesterday.
Eight players, including three professionals, have qualified for the Games and are based at the ABM.
Choong Hann added that an announcement on further developments of the Olympics is expected this week.
For now, the team is scheduled to leave for Tokyo on July 17.