History of BAM
As the governing body of Malaysia’s most beloved sport, Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) takes pride in spearheading the sustained and continuous development of the game in accordance with the long-standing vision of achieving consistent triumphs on the world stage. BAM was established in Kuala Lumpur on 11 November 1934 under the name of Badminton Association of Malaya. The Association is recognized and affiliated to world governing body, Badminton World Federation (BWF), regional governing body, Badminton Asia (BA) and also the Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM). BAM is also registered with the Sports Commissioner of Malaysia under the Sports Development Act 1997 as per the Laws of Malaysia.
Formation of BAM
BAM Logo
Badminton brought to Malaya by officers of the East India Company in Penang in the year of 1809. In early 1900s it was promoted by British through mission schools especially in Penang, Melaka, Ipoh, Kuala Lumpur and Singapore. Then in 1925, Penang becomes first state to form its own state badminton association (Penang Badminton Association). Following that, Perak forms its own state badminton association. in 1934 The Badminton Association of Malaya officially formed on 11 November, J.L. Woods of Perak becomes first President of BAM. Finally in the year of 1964, Badminton Association of Malaysia is formed .
BAM President
YBhg. Tan Sri Dato' Sri (Dr.) Mohamad Norza Zakaria
Before being appointed as BAM President for the terms 2017 – 2021 in April 29, 2017, Tan Sri Dato' Sri (Dr.) Mohamad Norza Zakaria served the sports fraternity with distinction as the Chairman of the National Sports Institute (ISN), Honorary Treasurer of Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) and President of Kuala Lumpur Badminton Association. Under Norza’s dynamic, fast-paced and KPI-driven leadership, BAM has reaped exponential growth not only on the commercial front - becoming one the most dynamic sports associations in the country through professional administration, multiple lucrative win-win partnerships but also achieving success on the badminton court through a trailblazing lean National setup focusing on the healthy mix of experienced and promising young players.
Norza has accomplished numerous milestones and announced several key decisions pertaining the governance of badminton in accordance with the vision and aspirations of BAM - namely the establishment of Akademi Badminton Malaysia (ABM) as the badminton center of excellence. A firm believer of sports technology as the crux, Norza has successfully integrated sports science into the training of the Malaysia National team at the state-of-the-art ABM with the academy set to be equipped with pivotal amenities essential in the makings of a champion - such as education, world class sports science facilities covering multiple disciplines; biomechanics, physiology, psychologists, nutritionists and sports analysts.
To unearth the next generation of world beaters, the grassroots development has been given a boost by a strategic approach. Affiliates and clubs nationwide now play active roles in increasing the talent pool through soon to be launched zonal state academies and tournaments such as Malaysia Purple League, AirAsia-BAM National Junior League and 100PLUS National Junior Circuits becoming feeders for the National squad at ABM. With a robust infrastructure at base, all is geared up for Malaysia to accomplish the ultimate goal of sealing the gold medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and thus cementing badminton’s status as the undisputed No. 1 sport in the country.