Badminton-Malaysia mulls costly plan in hunt for gold

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 10 (Reuters) - Malaysia's badminton chiefs are set to dig deep into their pockets as they put early plans in place in their quest for gold at the London 2012 Olympics.

Coach Rashid Sidek, who is expected to be in charge of the singles element of Malaysia's 2012 London Olympics programme, wants the Badminton Association of Malaysia to fund up-and-coming players' participation in Super Series tournaments to boost their experience.

The youngsters would be subjected to the world's elite, although the exercise would be costly.

However, BAM general manager Kenny Goh said the association is willing to consider any move that will strengthen Malaysia's chances of winning its first Olympic gold in London.

"The BAM management is keen on any programme which is geared towards the London Olympics but Rashid's suggestion has to be followed up with a comprehensive plan regarding the players concerned," Goh told the New Straits Times.

"The younger players definitely will get their opportunities with the 2012 Olympics in mind and everything will depend on the programmes prepared by the coaches."

In order to reduce the costs which would arise due to his proposal, Rashid has suggested that the identified players compete in the Super Series in Asia first.

(Writing by Ossian Shine in Singapore; Editing by N.Ananthanarayanan)