SMASH-2030 unleashed to drive badminton in Sarawak

KUCHING (Jan 18): The Sarawak Badminton Association (SBA) is pursuing its Badminton Development Roadmap 2025–2030, known as SMASH-2030, an ambitious plan to strengthen and elevate the sport across the state.

SBA president Dato Sri Dr Wan Lizozman Wan Omar said the roadmap reflects the association’s commitment to developing badminton as one of Sarawak’s major sports, with a clear focus on nurturing talent from the grassroots to elite level.

“At the heart of SMASH-2030 are five key pillars that will guide our development efforts over the next five years,” he said in his speech at the launch of SBA’s partnership with sports brand Yonex-Sunrise on Thursday.

The first pillar focuses on grassroots development, with the aim of bringing badminton to every corner of Sarawak and ensuring that every child with interest in the sport is given an opportunity to pursue his dream.

“Badminton is an Olympic sport. There should be more badminton courts built in Sarawak, and we believe the government can play a key role in making this happen,” said Wan Lizozman in stressing the importance of adequate infrastructure and taking note that some badminton courts have been converted into pickleball courts.

The second pillar centres on high-performance training, including the establishment of a centre of excellence supported by sports science, technology and alignment with Sarawak’s initiatives.

Coaching and talent development form the third pillar, with an emphasis on empowering local coaches and enhancing their skills and competencies to meet international standards.

The fourth pillar involves intensifying competition at district, divisional and state levels to expose players to competitive environments, with SBA also working towards bringing national-level tournaments back to Sarawak.

The fifth and final pillar focuses on collaboration and partnerships, positioning Sarawak as a key badminton hub through cooperation with the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development (MYSED), state authorities, affiliated associations, clubs, schools and the wider community.

Ultimately, the success of the roadmap depends on the players and coaches — from young shuttlers training with borrowed rackets in rural towns — to dedicated coaches who stay late to nurture potential, Wan Lizozman added.

He also described the partnership with Yonex-Sunrise as a symbol of renewal and belief in the power of sport to unite and uplift, while urging young players to seize the opportunity and play with pride as Sarawak continues its push towards greater heights.