Twentytwo13

Hunt on for next BAM president as Norza Zakaria leaves after 2024 Olympics

Tan Sri Norza Zakaria revealed that he will step down as Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) president after the Paris Olympics next year.

And the immediate question is – who is a suitable candidate?

Badminton is the most successful sport in the country – based on the results of major multi-sporting games, its popularity among Malaysians and the sponsorship money it receives.

Even politicians jumped onto the sport, hoping rubbing shoulders and taking pictures with some of the shuttlers would provide the right optics.

Norza, who is also the Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM) president, revealed he would step down after the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

And for both organisations, he has promised a succession plan.

“I’ve told my council members repeatedly that it’s a thankless job. No one is bigger than the institution,” said Norza at a press conference at Akademi Badminton Malaysia after the BAM council meeting this afternoon.

“We will find from within or outside, if need be. I’ve two deputies (Datuk V. Subramaniam and Datuk Seri Jahaberdeen Mohamed Yunoos). We will announce when the time is right,” said Norza.

Norza has got his plate full in recent times. Besides heading BAM and OCM, he is the co-chair of the Road To Gold programme, is Badminton Asia’s honorary president and was recently elected to the Olympic Council Asia’s (OCA) board and as chair of OCA’s Sports for All committee.

The businessman later revealed that the ultimate goal would be to serve the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

“Being OCM president, of course, I would like to serve IOC. But step by step. I have to be fair to the organisations and create the succession plan. I will not leave abruptly.”

Norza played an instrumental role in securing a multi-million ringgit deal with national oil giant Petronas. He is confident that the incoming BAM president would be able to ensure that the funding from the private sector continues.