The Chengdu Connection

Here’s a full explanation of why BAM sends its National Junior players every year to the Badminton Asia U15 & U17 Championships in Chengdu, China. It’s actually a strategic move by the BAM. 1. Official Continental Championship (Badminton Asia Sanctioned) The BAT Yonex U15 & U17 Asia Junior Championships are the official continental event organized by Badminton Asia, the governing body for Asia. Every member nation — including Malaysia is required and expected to send representatives to this annual championship. It’s equivalent to a “continental championship” for junior players, just like the Asian Games or Thomas Cup for seniors. So BAM sends their players because it’s an official international duty under the Badminton Asia calendar. 2. Exposure and Experience for Young Players The event gathers the best U15 and U17 players from all Asian countries — China, Japan, Korea, Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, India, Hong Kong China, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, UAE and Chinese Taipei. BAM sees it as a key platform for player development, giving juniors: - International match experience. - Exposure to different playing styles. - Mental and physical preparation for future world-level tournaments. This helps BAM evaluate young talents for future national teams and BWF World Junior Championships. 3. Benchmarking Against Asia’s Strongest Players Asia dominates world badminton — so the U15 and U17 Asia Championships are the toughest junior events in the world. Competing here allows Malaysian coaches to measure how far behind or ahead their players are compared to: China’s national juniors, Indonesia’s PBSI youth squad, Korea’s and Taiwan school system, Thailand and India's club system etc. It’s an important performance benchmark for Malaysia’s junior centralised development program. 4. Part of BAM’s Talent Development Pathway. The players BAM sends to Chengdu are usually from: - Bukit Jalil Sports School (BJSS), - State Badminton Association programs (like Penang BA, Johor BA, Selangor BA), or - The National Junior Elite squad (ABM) These players are carefully chosen through Afffin 100PLUS National Junior Circuits, National Championships, and internal trials. The Chengdu event is a final test and exposure stage before moving into the World Junior Championship (U19) level. 5. Centralized and Stable Venue Since Chengdu has hosted the event consistently since around 2022–2023, it provides: - World class badminton facility, - Predictable travel arrangements, - Cost efficient infrastructures, - Reliable tournament management. BAM benefits from this consistency and reduced logistical uncertainty, so Malaysia continues to send teams every year. 6. Building International Relations Sending teams yearly helps BAM maintain good relations with Badminton Asia, China Badminton Association, and other federations. This cooperation can lead to: - Joint training camps, - Exchange programs, - Invitations to friendly tournaments. ✅ In summary: BAM sends Malaysian junior players every year to the Asia U15 & U17 Championships in Chengdu because it’s an official continental event, gives vital international exposure, serves as a talent benchmark, and supports long-term player development under a stable and strategic hosting setup.

Strategy vs Low Zi Yu

Kiera's main adversary now remains the formidable Johorean, Low Zi yu whom had a 5-0 head-to-head win record against Kiera todate. Despite her diagnosed with hyperthyriodism in May 2024, she still competed actively (particularly in doubles) representing the Country in International Junior Tournaments. Kiera was able to take one set of her in two of the matches while the rest were straight game loses. The best opportunity to turn the tide around woud have been the recent MSSM finals but it wasnt to be. She will continue to find ways to build her game further and bridge the gap down and hopefully one day soon, she will be able to get her first win. Here are some of the footage, coach has given some good pointers how to play against Zi Yu.

The following are matches vs Low Zi Yu

1) 19th Nov 2023, Allianz Finals Semi-Finals lost 14-21, 15-21

2) 9th June 2025, JET Finals Preliminary Group A lost 21-14, 10-21, 15-2

3) 14th June 2025, JET Finals Final lost 5-21, 19-21

4) 23rd Aug 2025, Petronas Interstate U18 Team Event lost 12-21, 17-21

5) 17th Sept 2025, MSSM Final lost 21-17, 11-21, 12-21

First MSSM

In Sept 2025, Kiera made it to MSSM GSU15 finals for the first time in three years. Be that as it may, she would face-off with the talented Low Zi Yu again whom had 4 - 0 head-to-head lead over Kiera todate. Here is a flash back on how she did it...

2025 Tournaments : Play 60, Win 49, Lost 11 (Win ratio 82%)