Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz has officially stepped into his new role as president of the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM), and he’s already got his eyes on the prize — Olympic gold.
Elected unopposed at BAM’s annual general meeting in Bukit Kiara, the Investment, Trade and Industry Minister made it clear that helping Malaysia win its first-ever Olympic title is his top priority. And he’s setting his sights on the 2028 Games in Los Angeles.
“It’s not just my aspiration — it’s every Malaysian’s dream to see us win Olympic gold. Naturally, my goal will be the same.”
“I believe badminton offers one of the best chances, given our strong talent pool and track record. I felt the weight of expectations the moment I received the mandate,” he shared.
Although he’s new to the badminton scene, Tengku Zafrul says he’s ready to take on the challenge.
“I’m someone used to pressure and challenges. If we execute and plan well, I believe we can overcome any obstacles and succeed,” he stated.
“But it’s not just about medals. I want badminton to be more inclusive and help put Malaysia on the global sporting map.”
To kick things off, he’s asking for 100 days to meet with everyone involved — from players and coaches to state associations and badminton legends — to get a better understanding of the sport before rolling out his long-term plans.
“Please give me the opportunity to listen, understand and explore perspectives from all angles. I’ll use this feedback to develop a strategic vision and action plan. I also want input from the media and our badminton legends, who I’m sure have valuable insights,” he added.
What do you think of his statement? Let us know in the comments.
