BAM president Tengku Zafrul says Rexy Mainaky’s services are still required, viewing the SEA Games as a learning step, not a final judgement
KUALA LUMPUR: Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) president Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz says the services of national doubles coaching director Rexy Mainaky are still needed.
This comes despite Rexy’s own offer to take responsibility, including stepping down, after his team failed to meet targets at the SEA Games Thailand 2025.
Tengku Zafrul stated that experience and a development philosophy should not be judged on a single tournament.
He said it must be viewed within the broader context of the national team’s long-term development.
“I appreciate Rexy’s openness, and my stance is clear – we still need him,” he said in a statement.
“One failure does not negate the major successes achieved this year.”
He highlighted the world mixed doubles championship title and a first-ever women’s doubles World Championship final as key achievements.
Tengku Zafrul said the SEA Games provided valuable lessons for BAM to address shortcomings.
He stressed the Games were not an end but a stepping stone towards future success.
“As the president of BAM, my commitment remains firm to build Malaysian badminton on a solid foundation,” he added.
He emphasised that the outcome in Thailand was a collective responsibility, not an individual failure.
“The 2025 SEA Games was not an easy stage for us,” Tengku Zafrul acknowledged.
He noted the squad demonstrated progress by winning nine medals, surpassing the initial target of seven.
A significant milestone was securing a women’s singles medal for the first time in six years.
Rexy had openly expressed his willingness to shoulder responsibility after the men’s doubles missed their targets.
He said he was prepared to step down if pressured, following BAM falling short of its four-gold-medal aim.
The national team concluded their campaign with one gold, two silver and six bronze medals.
Top women’s doubles pair Pearly Tan and M. Thinaah clinched the sole badminton gold.
Their victory ended a decade-long wait for a women’s doubles SEA Games title for Malaysia. – Bernama
