Norza’s resignation: Inside the Paris Olympics controversy

SHAH ALAM - In the wake of significant controversy surrounding Malaysia's badminton team at the Paris 2024 Olympics, Tan Sri Norza Zakaria has announced his immediate resignation as President of the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM).

Since June, the Youth and Sports Ministry and the Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM) have faced intense scrutiny amid a series of controversies tied to the Paris Olympics.

At the centre of the storm is Norza, President of both BAM and OCM.

His actions and decisions have drawn significant attention and criticism, highlighting the challenges and public dissatisfaction surrounding Malaysia's Olympic preparations and representation.

Norza’s Resignation

Today, Norza announced his resignation from BAM. This decision follows mounting criticism regarding the handling of accreditation for athletes at the Paris 2024 Olympics.

Norza’s resignation comes as the latest chapter in a series of controversies that have cast a shadow over Malaysia's badminton leadership.

Emerged Controversies

The controversy began to unfold on Aug 5, when the OCM clarified that Norza was entitled to special accreditation, which allowed him to bring family members to Paris.

This clarification came in response to public outcry over the presence of Norza’s wife and son at Olympic events, particularly amid the struggle faced by Malaysian athletes like Lee Zii Jia and Goh Jin Wei.

The discontent among fans intensified when Deputy Youth and Sports Minister Adam Adli Abd Halim highlighted the dissatisfaction surrounding the support provided to athletes.

He emphasised the need for thorough discussions to avoid similar issues in future events, stressing the importance of balancing athlete needs with official privileges.

Athletes’ Struggles

National men's badminton player Lee Zii Jia, who secured a bronze medal at the Olympics, faced significant challenges due to accreditation issues.

Despite his success, Zii Jia and his self-funded support team encountered difficulties as they were unable to secure additional accreditation cards for his physiotherapist and sparring partner.

This self-funded approach was a significant burden, highlighting the struggles of athletes who had to manage without full support from official channels.

Similarly, national women's badminton player Goh Jin Wei's situation was marked by disappointment as her coach, Nova Armada, was unable to attend the Paris Games due to the limited number of accreditation passes.

This issue was further aggravated by the inability of the Olympic Council to provide necessary support for the athletes.

Public and Political Reactions

The situation sparked a backlash on social media, with netizens questioning why athletes' coaches were denied accreditation passes while officials' families were prioritised.

Some even sarcastically wondered if these family members had any significant contribution to the athletes or if their presence was more essential than that of the coaches.

Meanwhile, former deputy Youth and Sports Minister Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal criticised Norza’s decision to bring his family as politically insensitive.

He argued that while Norza's actions might have been within the rules, they appeared out of touch with the challenges faced by athletes like Zii Jia and Jin Wei.

Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh, while focusing on celebrating Zii Jia’s achievement, acknowledged that discussions about financial rewards and support would be addressed at a later time.

Her emphasis on celebration, rather than immediate resolution of support issues, received mixed reactions from the public.

In summary, Norza’s resignation from BAM marks the climax of a series of controversies that have marred Malaysia’s badminton journey at the Paris 2024 Olympics.

The situation highlighted the need for better management and support structures for athletes, ensuring that their needs are prioritised and adequately addressed in future international competitions.