When it comes to producing world-class athletes, the formula for success often lies far beyond the court. It’s not just about drills, tactics, or fitness routines — it’s about fueling the body and mind for peak performance. Recognizing this, Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) president Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Aziz has introduced an unconventional yet critical upgrade: doubling the food budget for national shuttlers.
The move, seemingly simple on paper, has already been hailed as a masterstroke in sports management. By prioritizing proper nutrition and recovery, Zafrul has ensured that Malaysia’s badminton players are not just well-trained but also well-nourished — a foundation that could define Malaysia’s next golden era in the sport.
Fueling Champions The Logic Behind Doubling the Food Budget
For years, Malaysia has produced technically gifted shuttlers, from legends like Datuk Lee Chong Wei to modern doubles stars such as Aaron Chia–Soh Wooi Yik. Yet, behind the scenes, one often-overlooked challenge has been the players’ dietary consistency.
At the national training centre in Bukit Kiara, players spend long hours in high-intensity sessions, often burning thousands of calories daily. However, the nutritional intake provided in the past didn’t always match those physical demands. The previous budget, while sufficient for basic meals, left little room for the specialized diets required by elite athletes — from muscle recovery shakes to customized macronutrient plans.
Tengku Zafrul recognized this gap almost immediately after assuming the presidency. Drawing from his background in finance and management, he applied a business-like precision to the association’s operations. “You can’t expect world-class results if you don’t provide world-class support,” he reportedly told BAM’s support staff during one of his early meetings.
By doubling the food budget, Zafrul’s goal wasn’t merely to improve taste or variety. It was to ensure that every calorie consumed by the players contributed directly to performance, endurance, and recovery. Meals are now curated by professional nutritionists and prepared by chefs trained to cater to athletes’ specific needs — from high-protein breakfast bowls to anti-inflammatory dinners rich in omega-3s and antioxidants.
Science Meets Sport Nutrition as a Performance Multiplier
Elite badminton isn’t just about fast reflexes and shuttle speed — it’s a battle of stamina, agility, and muscle recovery. The physical toll on players is immense, especially in today’s schedule that includes back-to-back tournaments across continents. Nutrition, therefore, has become the invisible weapon behind consistent excellence. BAM’s new dietary program emphasizes balanced macronutrients, timed hydration, and recovery-specific supplements. Nutritionists now tailor meal plans for each athlete based on their playing style, body composition, and workload. For instance, doubles players like Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik, who rely heavily on explosive power, receive meals rich in lean protein and complex carbohydrates to sustain energy over intense rallies. Singles players, on the other hand, are given slightly different plans focusing on endurance and sustained glycogen levels.
Sports scientist Dr. Amir Faiz, who collaborates with BAM’s medical team, describes the new approach as “a culture shift.”
“Previously, food was just food — players ate what was available. Now, every meal has a purpose. We’re teaching them that nutrition is part of their training. You don’t just train hard; you also need to eat smart.”
The results have been immediate and encouraging. Several players have reported better energy levels during matches, reduced muscle soreness post-training, and faster recovery times after tournaments. Even small details — like the inclusion of electrolyte-rich drinks after long sessions — have had noticeable impacts on players’ endurance.
The Zafrul Touch Managing BAM Like a Modern Enterprise
What sets Tengku Zafrul apart from many of his predecessors is his corporate mindset. Coming from a background in banking and government administration, he has brought a data-driven, results-oriented approach to BAM. His strategy revolves around treating the badminton ecosystem like a high-performance organization, where every department — from coaching to catering — contributes to the final outcome.
Under his leadership, BAM’s budgeting process has shifted to prioritize athlete welfare and performance support over administrative costs. The doubling of the food budget is just one example of this reallocation. Similar reforms have been implemented in mental health support, physiotherapy, and travel logistics.
“Zafrul runs BAM like a company that invests in its best assets — the players,” said one senior official. “He looks at them as high-performance professionals, not just national athletes. That mindset has changed everything.”
Zafrul has also insisted on regular performance reviews for both athletes and staff. Nutritionists and chefs are now part of the feedback loop — players rate their meals not just by taste but also by how they feel physically and mentally after consumption. The feedback data is compiled and analyzed monthly, allowing the support team to fine-tune their menus based on player responses.
Beyond Calories Building a Culture of Discipline and Responsibility
The enhanced meal program is also about instilling professionalism and accountability among the players. By linking nutrition directly to performance, BAM is reinforcing the message that excellence requires commitment in every aspect of life.
Players are educated about meal timing, portion control, and food quality even when they are not at the training centre. During international tournaments, team nutritionists travel with the players to ensure dietary consistency abroad. Hotels are informed in advance about players’ nutritional requirements, and local food is assessed for compatibility with each athlete’s dietary plan.
National doubles player Pearly Tan, known for her energy-intensive playing style, said in an interview,
“The difference is night and day. Before, sometimes after two matches, I’d feel drained even with enough sleep. Now, with the new meal plans and supplements, recovery feels quicker. You can feel your body responding better.”
Discipline around diet also extends to mental preparation. The players are taught mindfulness in eating — focusing on nutrition not as restriction, but as empowerment. By understanding the science behind every meal, they’ve developed a stronger sense of ownership over their own development.
Shuttlers’ Response Gratitude and Renewed Motivation
The response from the athletes has been overwhelmingly positive. Many have expressed gratitude for the renewed focus on their welfare, viewing it as a sign that BAM values their well-being beyond the court.
Veteran men’s doubles player Ong Yew Sin remarked that such changes “make the players feel respected and cared for.” He added,
“When the management shows they’re investing in us, we naturally want to give back — through results, through dedication. It motivates you differently.”
This sense of appreciation has created a healthier environment within BAM. Morale is higher, and communication between players and officials has improved. The association now feels less hierarchical and more collaborative — a change that insiders credit to Zafrul’s approachable leadership style.
From Kitchen to Court The Ripple Effect of Better Nutrition
While it may seem like a small administrative decision, doubling the food budget has had a ripple effect throughout the entire organization. Coaches report that players’ concentration during training sessions has improved. Medical staff have observed fewer injuries related to fatigue or dehydration. Even recovery sessions have become more efficient, as better nutrition supports quicker muscle repair.
Moreover, BAM’s enhanced meal program has inspired other national sports associations in Malaysia to consider similar reforms. Sports like hockey, squash, and athletics have reportedly reached out to BAM’s nutrition department for consultations on implementing comparable systems.
The initiative has also attracted attention from the Malaysian Ministry of Youth and Sports, which views it as a potential model for holistic athlete development. Discussions are already underway to replicate the framework across multiple sports under the national high-performance sports program.
Zafrul’s Broader Vision Sustainable Athlete Development
For Zafrul, this initiative is part of a larger mission to build a sustainable ecosystem that continuously produces elite-level badminton players. His vision extends beyond immediate wins — he aims to nurture an environment where athletes can thrive physically, mentally, and professionally over long careers.
In addition to nutrition, he has pushed for advancements in sports science, analytics, and athlete education. Players now have access to financial literacy workshops, post-career planning sessions, and digital media training. “We’re not just developing badminton players,” Zafrul once said, “we’re developing complete individuals who can represent Malaysia with excellence both on and off the court.”
The focus on nutrition fits perfectly into this long-term philosophy. By emphasizing lifestyle habits and personal responsibility, BAM is creating athletes who can sustain world-class performance standards even beyond their national training days.
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