KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 6 — The Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) received a major boost after signing a two-year sponsorship deal with financial services conglomerate Affin Group.

The sponsorship agreement, which did not disclose the amount, will see Affin supporting a wide range of BAM initiatives in enhancing the training and preparation of the national players for various badminton tournaments as well as overall development programmes.

It also includes becoming a joint title sponsor of the junior development programme, known as the Affin 100 Plus Junior Elite Tour, that is expected to be held around the country, including in Johor, Kedah, Kelantan, Negeri Sembilan, Pahang, Perak, Selangor, and the Federal Territories of Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya.

BAM president Tan Sri Mohamad Norza Zakaria said, that support from corporate companies, such as Affin, is crucial for the sport’s continued growth, development programmes, and youth competitions.

"BAM’s focus these next two years is on the Paris Olympics, and we require all the help possible to help us achieve our dream of winning the nation’s first Olympic gold medal. We are excited to have another Malaysian giant come on board with BAM,” he said at the sponsorship agreement ceremony here today.

Meanwhile, Affin Bank president and group chief executive officer, Datuk Wan Razly Abdullah Wan Ali said Affin was excited to be a part of the journey to support badminton as a sport that every Malaysian is passionate about.

"The popularity of badminton reflects the aspirational spirit of the country in achieving excellence in anything we do. We are fully committed to supporting the government’s plan to achieve sporting excellence.

"As badminton resonates strongly among Malaysians, Affin looks forward to supporting BAM in taking the sport to a higher level,” he added. — Bernama