We need more Kisonas: MIBA president

Malaysian Indian Badminton Association chief, Datuk V. Radhakrishnan, wants to identify more talents at grassroots level

KUALA LUMPUR – For the first time in Malaysian badminton history, the country’s national set-up is cumulatively being represented by three female Malaysian Indian shuttlers, namely S. Kisona, M. Thinaah and K. Letshanaa, who each have made an indelible mark in the international arena with their performance, determination, and dedication.

According to Malaysian Indian Badminton Association (MIBA) president, Datuk V. Radhakrishnan, their success has brought new insight into talent identification at the grassroots level amongst the Malaysian Indian community.

2019 SEA Games gold medallist and  2013 Asian Youth Games bronze medallist, S. Kisona – Facebook pic, October 13, 2021

2019 SEA Games gold medallist and 2013 Asian Youth Games bronze medallist, S. Kisona – Facebook pic, October 13, 2021

“We need more ‘Kisonas’. We need to recognise more talents amongst local communities so we can help and support the Malaysian Badminton Association (BAM),” he said.

“To do this, we have applied to be an affiliate member of BAM, and we look forward to their response.”

MIBA was formed in 2018 to promote badminton at the grassroots level in Tamil schools nationwide. 

To start the ball rolling in talent recognition, MIBA will be organising several junior tournaments in March and October of next year, after these events were postponed in 2021 as a result of the pandemic.

2021 Swiss Open women’s doubles champion, M. Thinaah – Facebook pic, October 13, 2021

2021 Swiss Open women’s doubles champion, M. Thinaah – Facebook pic, October 13, 2021

“Since we at MIBA want to support BAM to identify new, young talents, we want to organise at least three junior tournaments in March and October 2022, focusing on participation from district-level Tamil schools. 

“If we see any potential players, we will recommend them to BAM to be selected for national training,” Radhakrishnan added.

When asked if MIBA would be accepting non-Indians as members, he said: “At the moment, we would like to provide the platform for Indian players, but we will be considering non-Indian players in the future.”

Radhakrishnan spoke to the media earlier today after the MoU signing ceremony between MIBA and former national junior badminton player, V. Rooben Raj.

2021 Sudirman Cup and 2021 Uber Cup women’s singles player, K. Letshanaa – Facebook pic, October 13, 2021

2021 Sudirman Cup and 2021 Uber Cup women’s singles player, K. Letshanaa – Facebook pic, October 13, 2021

The MoU was signed to provide support for the 22-year-old, who has been selected by Qatar’s New Vision Badminton Sports to coach their junior badminton team.

Rooban will depart next week to fulfil his one-year contract with the club.

“This is my first experience as a coach. I aim to produce quality players for Qatar,” he said. 

“It will be a huge new experience for me as a coach with the club in Qatar, and a dream come true to build up my badminton career. I have MIBA to thank for all this.”

The Kedahan, who holds a full scholarship at HELP University, is currently enrolled in the Business Diploma programme and will be completing his final semester by year-end. – The Vibes, October 13, 2021

~thevibes.com

 ~Published on 13 Oct 2021 9:00AM