Haikal Nazri has moved to clear the air over his future, firmly denying speculation that he plans to leave the Badminton Association of Malaysia following a challenging period both on and off the court.
The 23-year-old men’s doubles player had come under scrutiny after a disagreement with national head coach Herry Iman Pierngadi, stemming from his decision to withdraw from the Swiss Open without prior approval. The situation led to tensions within the camp, although the matter was eventually resolved after Haikal issued an apology.
At the same time, his partnership with Chong Hon Jian came to an end due to ongoing injury concerns and inconsistent performances. The split prompted a reshuffle within the squad, with Haikal now set to team up with Bryan Jeremy Goonting, while Chong pairs with Wong Vin Sean.
Despite the recent uncertainty, Haikal has reiterated his commitment to BAM, stating clearly that he has no intention of leaving the national setup. His immediate focus is on building understanding and consistency with his new partner as they prepare for upcoming tournaments.
BAM has also reinforced its strict stance on player contracts. President Tengku Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz has warned that players who exit early may face significant penalties, including compensation fees or suspension from registering with other associations.
Looking ahead, Haikal and Goonting are expected to make their debut as a pair at the Thailand Open in May. The tournament will serve as an early test of their partnership as they aim to establish themselves on the international stage.
