KUCHING: The reality television programme Kenyalang Badminton Talent (KBT) is set to identify and select the best young badminton athletes from Sarawak.
KBT producer Mohd Najib Jaafar said that together with the Nusa Mahsuri Badminton Club, they have identified the best of the best young athletes.
“We did not conduct open auditions as we have selected players from various badminton clubs in Sarawak with great potential talents for screening.
“After several rounds of screening, for the first season of the programme, we have chosen 14 players, consisting of eight male and six female athletes,” he said.
He said this in a press conference after the TVS Spotlight Gawai Kaamatan 2024 programme at a hotel here last night (June 14).
Najib added that Misbun Syawal Misbun, son of legendary badminton player Datuk Misbun Sidek, will serve as the coach, assisted by Rahman Sidek and other local coaches.
For the first session, two audition sessions have been held in Sibu and Kuching, involving talents from the Sarawak Sports Council (MSS), the National Sports Council (MSN) and several badminton clubs.
“We believe that programmes like this need more support from relevant agencies such as the Sarawak Sports Corporation (SSC), which has provided support by offering accommodation and stadiums for auditions,” he added.
Najib then said the winner of the KBT programme will receive two weeks of training with the Nusa Mahsuri Club, coached by Misbun himself along with cash prizes and production goods.
When asked about plans to expand auditions to rural areas, Najib expressed interest in searching for more badminton players in Miri.
“This is because Miri has several excellent players and many good badminton clubs.
“We feel it is necessary to travel to suitable districts to provide opportunities for young people in rural areas.
“We also have plans to open a professional badminton training centre if given permission,” he said.
