KUALA LUMPUR – National men’s singles player, Shaqeem Eiman Shahyar, has formally resigned from his position as a national player at the Akademi Badminton Malaysia (ABM).
ABM coaching director, Rexy Mainaky, confirmed the news and clarified that the 23-year-old had met with him to tender his resignation as a national player.
It is understood that Shaqeem’s last tournament representing the nation was the Sri Lanka International Series in February, where he was eliminated in the early rounds.
“I was informed that he received an offer from a club to assume both player and coach roles. He felt that this was something he could handle, so he decided to accept that offer.
“In our previous discussions with him, the coaching team had given him the opportunity to demonstrate his capabilities by competing in several tournaments over a period of three to six months, to see what he could achieve.
“And after the Sri Lanka tournament, he voluntarily chose to step down without any coercion.
“In situations like this, I believe the players themselves know their circumstances best. With the declining number of men’s singles players, the coaching team needs to be more vigilant in considering whether to replenish their numbers or adjust their strategy moving forward,” Rexy told Scoop.
Earlier this year, Shaqeem was placed in Group B alongside Chua Kim Sheng, Ong Ken Yon, Ong Zhen Yi, and Jacky Kok as men’s singles players under ABM’s observation.
Meanwhile, Group A consisted of Ng Tze Yong, Aidil Sholeh Ali Sadikin, Leong Jun Hao, Justin Hoh, and Eogene Ewe, all displayed potential.
The Selangor-born player emerged as the national runner-up last year after being defeated by his teammate, Leong Jun Hao, in the final. – March 28, 2024