KUALA LUMPUR: The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing between the BA of Malaysia (BAM) and the National Heart Institute (IJN) on Monday was not just another MoU signing.
Instead, it is one that will have a long-lasting impact.
In truth, many don't realise the crucial role of health and wellness in sports, whether for high-performing athletes or the general public.
It is learnt that because of the close working relationship between BAM and IJN, two national junior players were diagnosed with an enlarged heart and irregular rhythm earlier this year following a full medical check-up.
This discovery led to the idea of a win-win situation between both parties in prioritising the health and wellness of their shuttlers at the Academy Badminton Malaysia (ABM) in Bukit Kiara.
In July last year, BAM signed an MoU with the University of Cyberjaya (UoC) to safeguard their shuttlers' mental health. While some may see these actions as baby steps, BAM is indeed making strides in pushing for the sport to become more professional in all aspects.
BAM president Tan Sri Norza Zakaria said: "I've always stressed the importance of providing the best to our players, and this includes their medical well-being.
"There are no compromises when it comes to our players' health. We are always on the lookout for the best services for our players, and today, I am pleased to announce that BAM has agreed to a three-year partnership with IJN, one of the region's leading cardiovascular and thoracic health centres.
"For players to produce results on the world stage, they not only need to be physically fit; their medical conditions must also be first-rate.
"With this partnership, BAM players will be covered and undergo annual medical check-ups at IJN. This is crucial as we must constantly monitor the health of all our players."
While this is the first time a national sports association (NSA) is signing a health MoU partnership with a leading institution, IJN already has a working relationship with the National Sports Institute and the Road to Gold (RTG) programme.
Previously, IJN was also pivotal in assisting national sprint cyclist Azizulhasni Awang to monitor and recover from open-heart surgery last year.
The total value of the sponsorship is RM149,900 per annum. This includes screening packages for 10 national players (RM21,000) and 60 national junior players (RM18,900), along with RM60,000 in cash.
The medical partnership for three major international tournaments — Super 1000 Malaysia Open, Super 500 Malaysia Masters, and Super 100 — will also include two ambulances on standby at each tournament on top of IJN branding to be prominently displayed on tournament collaterals that include backdrop and souvenir programme book.
Also present at the MoU signing at Axiata Arena, Bukit Jalil, was IJN chief executive officer Datuk Dr Aizai Azan Abdul Rahim.