Ganga speaks out as BAM president Nadzmi keeps mum

KUALA LUMPUR: While Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) president Datuk Mohd Nadzmi Salleh kept mum, secretary P. Ganga Rao did all the talking yesterday.

Ganga, who met Nadzmi for about three hours yesterday, denied speculation that he had been suspended indefinitely.

"I met with Datuk Nadzmi and it was a good meeting. Datuk Nadzmi told me that there was no suspension. He was in shock ... and so was I," a tired-looking Ganga told a press conference at a hotel lobby here.

"We would rather focus our energy on getting the team ready for the Thomas-Uber Cup Finals. We do not want to let external factors put us off track."

Ganga, who denied that he was trying to overshadow Nadzmi by making all the decisions, also said that he had no knowledge of anyone trying to create discord in the national body.

On Wednesday, it was reported that Nadzmi had suspended Ganga for alleged misconduct relating to the signing of a lucrative sponsorship deal.

Prior to the All-England from March 9-14, the BAM had secured a sponsorship deal with ING Insurance Bhd to become the official sponsors of the national team.

The national team were previously funded by Proton, who remain as the national body's main sponsors as far as hosting of local and international tournaments are concerned.

Nadzmi, who is also the Proton Holdings chairman, refused to make any comments before leaving for Germany yesterday.

Despite Ganga's claims that everything is fine in the BAM family, it is highly likely that his tenure as secretary may last until the Thomas-Uber Cup Finals, which will be held at the Putra Stadium here from May 9-16.

"Changes could take place depending on the results at the Thomas Cup Finals. I made a statement in 2006 that I would like to slow down and get someone to take over. For now, it is important to train others and empower them," he said.

On his position as BAM secretary, he said: "I need the motivation to stick around. For now, there should not be any pressure on me, the president or the players. The focus should be on getting the team ready for the Thomas Cup Finals and nothing should disrupt them."

Source from The Star Online

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